Devices and methods of managing energy dissipated within sterile barriers of surgical instrument housings

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument is disclosed herein. The surgical instrument includes a handheld device and an adapter assembly. The handheld device includes a first drive assembly and a power source. The adapter assembly includes an outer housing that defines an internal cavity configured to accommodate a handheld device. The adapter assembly is configured to establish a sterile barrier around the handheld device. The surgical instrument includes an energy management system configured to extract energy dissipated by the handheld device from the internal cavity without disrupting the sterile barrier. In some aspects, the surgical instrument further includes a plurality of interchangeable end effectors and the adapter assembly includes a drive interface assembly. The plurality of interchangeable end effectors can include different drive interfaces and operating modes, and the drive interface assembly can connect the first drive assembly of the handheld device to each end effector of the plurality of interchangeable end effectors.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to surgical devices. More specifically,the present disclosure relates to handheld surgical systems forperforming surgical procedures.

SUMMARY

The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of someof the innovative features unique to the aspects disclosed herein and isnot intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of thevarious aspects can be gained by taking the entire specification,claims, and abstract as a whole.

In various aspects, a surgical instrument including a handheld deviceand an adapter assembly is disclosed. The handheld device includes aninner housing and a power source coupled to a first drive assemblyincluding a first operating mode. The power source and first driveassembly are dispositioned within the inner housing. The adapterassembly includes an outer housing that defines an internal cavity. Theouter housing is configured to encase the handheld device and furtherincludes an energy management system configured to manage energydissipated by the handheld device and a drive interface assemblyincluding an internal interface and an external interface, wherein theinternal interface is configured to mechanically couple to the firstdrive assembly of the handheld device. The surgical instrument furtherincludes an interchangeable end effector including a second driveassembly. The second drive assembly includes a second operating modethat is different than the first operating mode of the first driveassembly, and the second drive assembly is configured to mechanicallycouple to the external interface of the drive interface. The internalinterface of the drive interface assembly is configured to transfer amotion generated by the first drive assembly to the external interfaceof the drive interface assembly, and the external interface of the driveinterface assembly is configured to transfer a motion of the innerinterface of the drive interface assembly to the second drive assemblyof the interchangeable end effector.

In various aspects, an adapter assembly configured to, at leastpartially, encase a handheld device of a surgical instrument configuredfor use with a plurality of interchangeable end effectors is disclosed.The handheld device includes a power source and a drive assembly. Theadapter assembly can include an outer housing, including an internalcavity configured to encase the handheld device; a drive interfaceassembly, including an internal interface configured to mechanicallyengage the drive assembly of the handheld device; and an externalinterface configured to mechanically engage a drive assembly of aninterchangeable end effector. The adapter assembly can further includean energy management system configured to manage energy dissipated bythe handheld device when the surgical instrument is in use.

In various aspects, a surgical instrument including a handheld deviceand an adapter assembly is disclosed. The handheld device includes afirst drive assembly and a power source. The adapter assembly includesan internal cavity configured to accommodate a handheld device, whereinthe adapter assembly is configured to establish a sterile barrier aroundthe handheld device, and an energy management system configured toextract energy dissipated by the handheld device from the internalcavity without disrupting the sterile barrier.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the presentinvention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of therelated elements of structure and the combination of parts and economiesof manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

FIGURES

The features of various aspects are set forth with particularity in theappended claims. The various aspects, however, both as to organizationand methods of operation, together with further objects and advantagesthereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a surgical instrument thatincludes an adapter assembly configured to create a sterile barrieraround a handheld surgical device and energy management components, inaccordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectioned perspective view of a handheld assemblyconfigured to be encased within the adapter assembly of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the adapter assembly andhandheld device of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the adapter assembly andhandheld device of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective assembly view of an adapter assemblythat includes energy management components, in accordance with at leastone non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective back view of the adapter assembly ofFIG. 5.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate sectioned front views of a handheld surgicaldevice being installed into the adapter assembly of FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectioned side view of an adapter assembly thatincludes energy management components, in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectioned side view of a surgical instrument thatincludes energy management components, in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate sectioned top views of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate top views of an energy management componentof the adapter assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 illustrates a chart depicting a variable rate of energymanagement implemented by the surgical instrument of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 illustrates a sectioned side view of a surgical instrumentincluding a handheld surgical device and an adapter assembly thatincludes energy management components, in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of an energy management component of thesurgical instrument of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates a sectioned side view of a surgical instrumentincluding a handheld surgical device and an adapter assembly with energymanagement components, in accordance with at least one non-limitingaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a sectioned side view of a surgical instrumentincluding a handheld surgical device and an adapter assembly thatincludes and energy management system, in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a sectioned side view of the energy managementsystem of the handheld device and adapter assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 illustrates a sectioned side view of an energy managementcomponent of the energy management system of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of another energy management componentof the energy management system of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 illustrates a sectioned perspective view of a surgicalinstrument including a handheld surgical device and a distal portion ofan adapter assembly with energy management components, in accordancewith at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates a sectioned perspective view of an energy managementcomponent of the adapter assembly of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of another energy managementcomponent of the adapter assembly of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 illustrates a sectioned side view of a surgical instrumentincluding a handheld surgical device and an adapter assembly thatincludes an energy management system, in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 illustrates a sectioned perspective view of the energymanagement component of the surgical instrument of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 illustrates a sectioned perspective view of another energymanagement component of an energy management system of a surgicalinstrument, in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 26 illustrates a sectioned perspective view of a surgicalinstrument including an energy management system, in accordance with atleast one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 illustrates a chart depicting an energy response of the energymanagement system of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 illustrates a sectioned perspective view of an adapter assemblyof a surgical instrument that includes an energy management component,in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 29A and 29B illustrate sectioned profile views of energymanagement components of the adapter assembly of FIG. 28.

FIGS. 30A-30C collectively illustrate various views of energy managementsystems and a chart depicting an energy response of the illustratedenergy management systems, in accordance with at least one non-limitingaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of an energy management system ofa surgical instrument, in accordance with at least one non-limitingaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 illustrates a sectioned perspective view of an energy managementsystem of a surgical instrument, in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 illustrates a sectioned front view of the energy managementsystem of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 illustrates a schematic of a control circuit configured tomanage energy dissipated by a surgical instrument, in accordance with atleast one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate certain embodiments of the invention, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. patentapplications that were filed on even date herewith and which are eachherein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application entitled METHOD FOR TISSUE TREATMENT BY        SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; Attorney Docket No. END9291USNP1/200802-1M;    -   U.S. patent application entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH        INTERACTIVE FEATURES TO REMEDY INCIDENTAL SLED MOVEMENTS;        Attorney Docket No. END9291USNP2/200802-2;    -   U.S. patent application entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SLED        LOCATION DETECTION AND ADJUSTMENT FEATURES; Attorney Docket No.        END9291USNP3/200802-3;    -   U.S. patent application entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH        CARTRIDGE RELEASE MECHANISMS; Attorney Docket No.        END9291USNP4/200802-4;    -   U.S. patent application entitled DUAL-SIDED REINFORCED RELOAD        FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; Attorney Docket No.        END9291USNP5/200802-5;    -   U.S. patent application entitled SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH        DETACHABLE SHAFT RELOAD DETECTION; Attorney Docket No.        END9291USNP6/200802-6;    -   U.S. patent application entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH        ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR POWER TRANSMISSION ACROSS STERILE        BARRIER; Attorney Docket No. END9291USNP7/200802-7;    -   U.S. patent application entitled POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS        WITH EXTERNAL CONNECTORS; Attorney Docket No.        END9291USNP9/200802-9;    -   U.S. patent application entitled POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS        WITH SMART RELOAD WITH SEPARATELY ATTACHABLE EXTERIORLY MOUNTED        WIRING CONNECTIONS; Attorney Docket No. END9291USNP10/200802-10;    -   U.S. patent application entitled POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS        WITH COMMUNICATION INTERFACES THROUGH STERILE BARRIER; Attorney        Docket No. END9291USNP11/200802-11; and    -   U.S. patent application entitled POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS        WITH MULTI-PHASE TISSUE TREATMENT; Attorney Docket No.        END9291USNP12/200802-12.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patentapplications, filed on Dec. 4, 2018, the disclosure of each of which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,385, entitled METHOD OF        HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, STORAGE AND DISPLAY;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,395, entitled METHOD OF        HUB COMMUNICATION;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,403, entitled METHOD OF        CLOUD BASED DATA ANALYTICS FOR USE WITH THE HUB;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,407, entitled METHOD OF        ROBOTIC HUB COMMUNICATION, DETECTION, AND CONTROL;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,416, entitled METHOD OF        HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, DISPLAY, AND CLOUD ANALYTICS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,423, entitled METHOD OF        COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY        DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,427, entitled METHOD OF        USING REINFORCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS WITH MULTIPLE SENSORS TO        OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,433, entitled METHOD OF        SENSING PARTICULATE FROM SMOKE EVACUATED FROM A PATIENT,        ADJUSTING THE PUMP SPEED BASED ON THE SENSED INFORMATION, AND        COMMUNICATING THE FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF THE SYSTEM TO THE        HUB;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,447, entitled METHOD FOR        SMOKE EVACUATION FOR SURGICAL HUB;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,453, entitled METHOD FOR        CONTROLLING SMART ENERGY DEVICES;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,458, entitled METHOD FOR        SMART ENERGY DEVICE INFRASTRUCTURE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,465, entitled METHOD FOR        ADAPTIVE CONTROL SCHEMES FOR SURGICAL NETWORK CONTROL AND        INTERACTION;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,478, entitled METHOD FOR        SITUATIONAL AWARENESS FOR SURGICAL NETWORK OR SURGICAL NETWORK        CONNECTED DEVICE CAPABLE OF ADJUSTING FUNCTION BASED ON A SENSED        SITUATION OR USAGE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,490, entitled METHOD FOR        FACILITY DATA COLLECTION AND INTERPRETATION; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,491, entitled METHOD FOR        CIRCULAR STAPLER CONTROL ALGORITHM ADJUSTMENT BASED ON        SITUATIONAL AWARENESS.

Before explaining various aspects of surgical devices and generators indetail, it should be noted that the illustrative examples are notlimited in application or use to the details of construction andarrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings anddescription. The illustrative examples may be implemented orincorporated in other aspects, variations, and modifications, and theymay be practiced or carried out in various ways. Further, unlessotherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have beenchosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative examples for theconvenience of the reader and are not for the purpose of limitationthereof. Also, it will be appreciated that one or more of the followingdescribed aspects, expressions of aspects, and/or examples, can becombined with any one or more of the other following described aspects,expressions of aspects, and/or examples.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and useof the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, andelements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described in the specification. The reader will understandthat the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limitingexamples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein may be representative andillustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims.

According to some non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure,surgical instruments can include handle assemblies that are configuredto accommodate a variety of interchangeable tools, such as end effectorsand/or single-use loading units (SLUs), among others. As such, thesurgical instruments disclosed herein can provide increased versatilityand, thus, value for implementing clinicians. However, not all surgicalinstruments and end effectors are configured to operate in the same way.For example, according to one non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure, a surgical instrument can employ a rotational transmissionof power and an interchangeable tool (e.g., an end effector) can beconfigured for linear actuation. The surgical instrument configured toemploy a rotational transmission of power would thus be incompatiblewith the linear driven end effector and, thus, its versatility and valuewould be diminished.

Certain surgical instruments are known to address the aforementionedincompatibilities, such as the surgical instrument described in U.S.Pat. No. 10,603,128, entitled HANDHELD ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICALSYSTEM, granted Mar. 31, 2020, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. Such surgical instrumentsutilize a specifically configured outer shell housing, which includesone or more interfacing components configured to selectively transferrotational forces from motors of the surgical instrument to an adaptorof a connected end effector. Although the outer shell houses theaforementioned components, it must inherently encompass the surgicalinstrument to effectively interface the surgical instrument with anyinterchangeable tool, thereby facilitating the enhanced versatility ofthe surgical instrument. The outer shell housing is of increasedimportance due to the sterilization requirements of operating rooms thatthe surgical instruments are typically used in.

It is axiomatic that strict sterilization of the operating room andsurgical equipment is required during any surgery. The strict hygieneand sterilization conditions required in an operating room necessitatethe highest possible sterility of all medical devices and equipment.Part of that sterilization process is the need to sterilize anythingthat comes in contact with the patient or penetrates the sterile field,such as the surgical instrument, including its end effector, adapterassembly, and requisite components. Aside from the aforementionedadapter assemblies being configured to transfer rotational forces frommotors of the surgical instrument to an adaptor of a connected endeffector, the outer shell of such adapter assemblies can be configuredto prevent contaminants from adversely effecting the sterile barrier.

However, the handheld devices encased in the outer housing often includea power pack, a motor assembly, and/or a control assembly among otherelectromechanical subassemblies. Each of these subassemblies cangenerate energy (e.g., thermal, vibrational, acoustic) that canadversely effect the environment the surgical instrument is expected tofunction in. These environments are contained when the handheld surgicaldevice is encased within the outer housing, especially since the outerhousing is typically configured to create a sterile barrier between theoperating room and the handheld surgical device. Thus, although encasinga handheld surgical device can enhance versatility and sterility, it canalso result in instrument failure, decreased life, and/or hazardousoperating conditions. Accordingly, the surgical instruments disclosedherein are specifically configured to accommodate adaptors of a widevariety of interchangeable tools while responsibly managing theenvironmental conditions in which the surgical instrument is expected tofunction. As such, the disclosed surgical instruments are versatile,longer lasting, and more reliable than existing surgical instruments.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a surgical instrument6000 that includes an adapter assembly 6001 configured to create asterile barrier around a handheld surgical device with energy managementcomponents 6010, 6012, 6014 is depicted in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to thenon-limiting aspect of FIG. 1, the adapter assembly 6001 can include aproximal portion 6002 and a distal portion 6004 connected in a clamshellconfiguration via a hinge 6007. Collectively, the proximal portion 6002and the distal portion 6004 can constitute an outer shell or housingthat defines an internal cavity configured to encase a handheld devicethat can generate energy when the surgical instrument is in use.Accordingly, the adapter assembly 6001 is configured to transition froman open configuration, wherein the hinge 6007 is open and the sterilebarrier is disrupted, to a closed configuration, as seen in FIG. 8,wherein the hinge 6206 is closed and the sterile barrier is established.The proximal portion 6202 can include a handle portion 6203 configuredfor the ergonomic handling of the surgical instrument when the handhelddevice is installed within the adapter assembly 6200. As also can beseen in FIG. 8, the proximal portion 6202 and distal portion 6204 of theadapter assembly 6200 can each include energy management components6210, 6212 configured to effectively manage energy created by a handhelddevice when installed within an internal cavity 6209 of the adapterassembly 6200.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the adapter assembly 6001 of the surgicalinstrument 6000 can be configured to accommodate a variety ofinterchangeable shaft assemblies 6006 and end effectors 6008. In otherwords, the surgical instrument 6000 is configured for selectiveattachment thereto of a plurality of different end effectors 6008 thatare each configured for actuation and manipulation by the poweredhandheld electromechanical surgical instrument 6000. As such, theadapter assembly 6001 can include a drive assembly configured to engagewith a drive assembly of a handheld device encased within the internalcavity of the adapter assembly 6001. Likewise, the adapter assembly 6001can include external buttons 6009 configured to engage with buttons ofthe handheld device encased within, while preserving the sterilebarrier. Additionally, the drive assembly can be mechanically configuredto translate forces generated by the drive assembly of the handheldassembly to the drive assembly of the interchangeable shaft and/or endeffector. The drive assembly of the handheld device can include one ormore motors that can generate energy (e.g., thermal, vibrational, andacoustic) when the surgical instrument 6000 is in use. However, becausethe adapter assembly 6001 is also configured to establish a sterilebarrier around the handheld device, the dissipated energy can betrapped. Accordingly, the energy management components 6010, 6012, 6014can assist in the effective management and dissipation of energydissipated by the handheld device.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a sectioned perspective view of a handhelddevice 6016 configured to be encased within the adapter assembly 6001 ofthe surgical instrument 6000 of FIG. 1 is depicted in accordance with atleast one aspect of the present disclosure. According to thenon-limiting aspect of FIG. 2, the handheld device can further includeenergy management components 6018, 6019, 6020, 6022, 6024. Additionally,FIG. 2 a plurality of interface components 6026 of the drive assembly ofthe handheld device 6016 can be dispositioned on a forward-facingsurface of the handheld device 6016. The interface components 6026 canmechanically engage corresponding interface components of the adapterassembly 6001 (FIG. 1) such that activation of the drive assembly of thehandheld device 6016 can translate forces to the interchangeable shaftassembly 6006 (FIG. 1) and end effector 6008 (FIG. 1). It shall beappreciated that, through the use of the adapter assembly 6001 and theplurality of interface components 6026, the handheld device 6016 can bereused with versatility. Additionally, the handheld device 6016 caninclude a plurality of function buttons 6028, which can be configured toengage the external buttons 6009 (FIG. 1) of the adapter assembly 6001(FIG. 1), such that a user can activate them without disrupting thesterile barrier.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, perspective views of the adapterassembly 6001 and handheld device 6016 of the surgical instrument 6000of FIG. 1 are depicted in accordance with at least one aspect of thepresent disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 3, therelative size of the handheld device 6016 can be specifically configuredsuch that it can be encased within an internal cavity of the adapterassembly 6001. It shall be appreciated that geometrical energymanagement components 6012, 6038, 6040, 6042 of the adapter assembly6001 can mechanically engage corresponding energy management components6018, 6019, 6022, 6024 of the handheld device 6016 when the handhelddevice 6016 is properly installed within the internal cavity of theadapter assembly 6001. Accordingly, energy dissipated by the handhelddevice 6016 can be effectively managed by the mechanical engagement ofthe energy management components 6012, 6038, 6040, 6042 of the adapterassembly 6001 and the corresponding energy management components 6018,6019, 6022, 6024 of the handheld device 6016. In the non-limiting aspectof FIG. 3, the hinge 6007 of the adapter assembly 6001 can be positionedin a closed configuration, thereby establishing a sterile barrierbetween the ambient environment of the operating room in which it isused and an internal cavity configured to encase the handheld device6016.

According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 4, the hinge 6007 of theadapter assembly 6001 can be positioned in an open configuration,exposing the internal cavity 6011 such that the handheld device 6016 canbe properly installed. Additional features such as corresponding male6034 and female 6036 components of a clasping lock can be included toenhance the sterile barrier, thereby fortifying the adapter assembly6001 from being inadvertently opened and exposed to the non-sterileenvironment. Once again, it is evident how the energy managementcomponents 6012, 6038, 6040, 6042 (FIG. B3) of the adapter assembly 6001can be configured to engage the corresponding energy managementcomponents 6018, 6019 (FIG. 2), 6022 (FIG. 2), 6024 (FIG. 2) of thehandheld device 6016 upon proper installation. The energy managementsystems and components will be further discussed in detail. However, itshall be appreciated that the non-limiting aspect of FIGS. 1-4 are onlypresented for illustrative purposes. Accordingly, other non-limitingaspects contemplated by the present disclosure include any number of thefollowing energy management components and systems in any combination,to accomplish a desired means of energy management when the surgicalinstrument is in use.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective front view of the adapterassembly 6100 of FIG. 5 is depicted in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to thenon-limiting aspect of FIG. 5, the adapter assembly 6100 can include aproximal portion 6102 and a distal portion 6104 connected in a clamshellconfiguration via a hinge 6106. Collectively, the proximal portion 6102and the distal portion 6104 can constitute an outer shell or housingconfigured to encase a handheld device including one or more motors6112. The proximal portion 6102 can include a handle portion 6103configured for ergonomic handling of the surgical instrument when thehandheld device is installed within the adapter assembly 6100. As can beseen in FIG. 5, the proximal portion 6102 and distal portion 6104 of theadapter assembly 6100 can each include energy management components6108, 6114 configured to effectively manage energy created by a handhelddevice when installed within an internal cavity 6109 of the adapterassembly 6100.

In further reference to FIG. 5, the proximal portion 6102 of the adapterassembly 6100 can be dimensionally configured to accommodate one or moremotors 6112 of the handheld device. As previously discussed, the adapterassembly 6100 can be configured as a sterile barrier that can protectthe handheld device from the non-sterile environment of the operatingroom. Thus, the adapter assembly 6100 of FIG. 5 can be structurallysealed, thereby capable of preventing contaminants from the operatingenvironment from accessing an internal cavity 6109 of the adaptorassembly 6100 and, thus, preventing the reuse of the handheld devicestored within. However, the one or more motors 6112 of the handhelddevice can produce energy (e.g., thermal, vibration, acoustical) whenthe surgical instrument is in use. Because the adapter assembly 6100 ofFIG. 5 can be structurally sealed, it not only prevents contaminantsfrom accessing the internal cavity 6109, but it also prevents energy(e.g., thermal, vibration, acoustical) that is generated during use fromescaping the internal cavity 6109. Accordingly, the adapter assembly6100 can include several energy management components 6108, 6114 toassist the release of energy (e.g., thermal, vibration, acoustical) fromthe internal cavity 6109.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the adapter assembly 6100 can include a firstheat sink 6108 on the distal portion 6104. The first heat sink 6108 canbe configured to remove thermal energy dissipated by the one or moremotors 6112 from the internal cavity 6109 of the adapter assembly 6100.The first heat sink 6108 can be configured to mechanically contactthermally conductive channels 6114, which include a surface area withinthe internal cavity 6109. For example, the first heat sink 6108 can beconfigured to mechanically engage a thermally conductive channel 6114when the distal portion 6104 engages the proximal portion 6102 of theadapter assembly 6100, thereby creating a sterile barrier. However,because the first heat sink 6108 remains in thermal communication withthe internal cavity 6109 via the thermally conductive channel 6114, thefirst heat sink 6108 can still remove dissipated thermal energydissipated in the internal cavity 6109 of the adapter assembly 6100.Thus, even though contaminants cannot enter the internal cavity 6109 ofthe adapter assembly 6100, thermal energy can escape the internal cavity6109 of the adapter assembly 6100. In the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 5,the thermally conductive channel 6114 can include an external heat sink,which supplements the heat transfer capabilities of the first heat sink6108.

In some non-limiting aspects, the adapter assembly 6100 of FIG. 5 caninclude thermally conductive channels 6114 that can be placed inmechanical contact with the 6112 motors themselves, thereby improvingthe thermally conductive path from the energy source and enhancing theefficiency of the thermally conductive channel 6114. According to suchaspects, the thermally conductive channel 6114 can eliminate theradiative means of heat transfer and can provide a more efficient,conductive path to the first heat sink 6108. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the thermally conductive channel 6114 can be placed inmechanical contact with a specifically configured surface area withinthe internal cavity 6109. For example, a portion of an inner wall of theinternal cavity 6109 can be configured as part of the thermallyconductive channel 6114. Since the efficiency of the thermallyconductive channel 6114 can improve as the surface area increases, thiscan enhance the removal of thermal energy from the internal cavity 6109.Accordingly, the radiative means of heat transfer can be inherently moreefficient due to the increased surface area. Although the non-limitingaspect of FIG. 5 includes a first and second heat sink 6108, 6110 (FIG.1), it shall be appreciated that the present disclosure contemplatesother non-limiting aspects wherein any number of heat sinks, channels,and baffles are used to establish similar paths by which generatedthermal energy can escape the internal cavity 6109.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the back of the adapterassembly 6100 of FIG. 5 is depicted in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to thenon-limiting aspect of FIG. 6, the adapter assembly 6100 can furtherinclude a second heat sink 6110 coupled to the proximal portion 6102, inclose proximity to the one or more motors 6112. The second heat sink6110 can also be coupled to a thermally conductive channel, therebyenabling it to remove thermal energy produced by the one or more motors6112 from the internal cavity 6109 without disturbing the sterilebarrier created by adapter assembly 6100. In other non-limiting aspects,the second heat sink 6110 can be directly coupled to the one or moremotors 6112, which can provide a more efficient, conductive path to thesecond heat sink 6110. Although the non-limiting aspect of FIGS. 5 andB6 depict a first heat sink 6108 and a second sink 6110 that are passiveand include a plurality of integrally formed fins, the presentdisclosure contemplates other non-limiting aspects wherein any number ofheat sink configurations can be implemented to enhance energy managementwithin the adapter assembly 6100. For example, the adapter assembly 6100can include active heat sinks, stamped heat sinks, bonded-formed heatsinks, and/or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a sectioned front view of a handheldsurgical device installed in the adapter assembly of FIGS. 5 and 6 isdepicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of thepresent disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 7A, theadapter assembly 6100 of FIGS. 5 and 6 is shown in more detail.Specifically, the thermally conductive channels 6114 are clearlydepicted as defining a thermal path from the internal cavity 6109 to theexterior of the adapter assembly 6100. Accordingly, the thermallyconductive channels 6114 enable the adapter assembly 6100 to preservethe sterile barrier, thereby protecting the contents of its internalcavity 6109 from external contamination. FIG. 7A also depicts thehandheld device 6116, including three motors 6112, although othernon-limiting aspects include handheld devices 6116 with any number ofmotors. Two conductive contacts 6118 are also depicted as configured tomechanically contact each of the three motors 6112. The conductivecontacts 6118 are likewise configured to mechanically contact thethermally conductive channels 6114 when the handheld device 6116 isproperly installed within the internal cavity 6109 of the adapterassembly 6100.

According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 7B, the handheld device6116 has been properly installed within the internal cavity 6109 of theadapter assembly 6100. The conductive contacts 6118 of the handhelddevice 6116 can be in mechanical contact with the thermally conductivechannels 6114, establishing a direct conductive path from the motors6112 to an exterior of the adapter assembly 6100. When the surgicalinstrument is in use and the motors 6112 are generating thermal energy,the resulting thermal energy can travel through the conductive contacts6118 into the thermally conductive channels 6114 and into the fins ofthe external heat sinks, where it can be safely convected away from thesurgical instrument and into the operating room. Accordingly, generatedthermal energy will not remain within the internal cavity 6109 of theadapter assembly 6100, and the surgical instrument will be at less of arisk of overheating, and thus, the damage and/or dangers associated withoverheating.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a sectioned side view of an adapter assembly6200 that includes energy management components 6210, 6212 is depictedin accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 8, the adapterassembly 6200 can include a proximal portion 6202 and a distal portion6204 connected in a clamshell configuration via a hinge 6206.Collectively, the proximal portion 6202 and the distal portion 6204 canconstitute an outer shell or housing that defines an internal cavity6209 configured to encase a handheld device that can generate energywhen the surgical instrument is in use. Accordingly, the adapterassembly 6200 is configured to transition from an open configuration,wherein the hinge 6206 is open and the sterile barrier is disrupted, toa closed configuration, wherein the hinge 6206 is closed and the sterilebarrier is established. The proximal portion 6202 can include a handleportion 6203 configured for the ergonomic handling of the surgicalinstrument when the handheld device is installed within the adapterassembly 6200. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the proximal portion 6202 anddistal portion 6204 of the adapter assembly 6200 can each include energymanagement components 6210, 6212 configured to effectively manage energycreated by a handheld device when installed within an internal cavity6209 of the adapter assembly 6200.

Still referring to FIG. 8, the adapter assembly 6200 can include apivoting contact 6210 on the proximal portion 6202. The pivoting contact6210 can be configured to mechanically contact a thermally conductivesurface area 6212 dispositioned on the distal portion 6204 of theadapter assembly 6200 when the clamshell outer housing is closed.Accordingly, the pivoting contact 6210 and thermally conductive surfacearea 6212 can establish a thermally conductive path when the clamshellouter housing is closed, wherein the thermally conductive path isconfigured to remove thermal energy generated from the internal cavity6209 of the adapter assembly 6200. The pivoting contact 6210 can bepivotally coupled to the proximal portion 6202 of the adapter assembly6200 and therefore, configured to optimize mechanical contact with thethermally conductive surface area 6212. For example, the thermallyconductive path can be improved based on the degree of contactestablished between the pivoting contact 6210 and the thermallyconductive surface area 6212. As previously discussed, the hinge 6206facilitates motion between the proximal portion 6202 and distal portion6204 as the adapter assembly 6200 transitions from the openconfiguration to the closed configuration. The pivoting contact 6210 canbe pivotally coupled to the proximal portion 6202 such that it canaccommodate for mechanical perturbations and misalignments when theadapter assembly 6200 is in a closed configuration. Therefore, thepivoting contact 6210 can ensure that proper mechanical contact isestablished with the thermally conductive surface area 6212 when theadapter assembly 6200 is closed and the sterile barrier is established.Because the pivoting contact 6210 can remain in thermal communicationwith the thermally conductive surface area 6212, a thermal path isestablished by which thermal energy can be removed from the internalcavity 6209 of the adapter assembly 6200. Thus, even though contaminantscannot enter the internal cavity 6209 of the adapter assembly 6200,thermal energy can escape the internal cavity 6209 of the adapterassembly 6200 via the pivoting contact of 6210.

According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 8, the thermally conductivesurface area 6212 can facilitate a convection of the thermal energy fromthe internal cavity 6209 to the environment of the operating room. Thus,thermal energy can be convected out of the internal cavity 6209 and awayfrom the adapter assembly 6200. Although the non-limiting aspect of FIG.8 depicts a pivoting contact 6210 with a flat surface area, it shall beappreciated that in other non-limiting aspects, the thermally conductivesurface area 6212 can include any number of additional geometriccomponents configured to enhance the amount of heat convected off andaway from the adapter assembly 6200. For example, according to somenon-limiting aspects, the thermally conductive surface area 6212 furtherincludes a heat sink. Additionally and/or alternatively, the adapterassembly 6200 can include additional heat mitigation channels, baffles,etc., to supplement the removal of thermal energy from the internalcavity 6209.

Referring now to FIG. 9 a sectioned side view of a surgical instrument6300 that includes energy management components 6308, 6310 is depictedin accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 9, the surgicalinstrument 6300 can include an adapter assembly 6302 configured toencase a handheld device 6304. The handheld device 6304 can include amotor 6306, which, when in operation, can produce energy. For example,the motor 6306 can produce thermal energy, which can heat up an internalcavity of the adapter assembly 6302. Accordingly, the surgicalinstrument 6300 can further include a control circuit 6309 coupled toenergy management components 6308, 6310 configured to manage the thermalenergy produced by the motor 6306.

In further reference to FIG. 9, the surgical device 6300 can include atemperature sensor 6308 configured to generate a signal associated witha temperature of the handheld device 6304 and a piezoelectricoscillating fan 6310. As previously discussed, temperature detection ispart of preventative reliability. For example, the surgical instrumentcould risk overheating since the handheld device 6304—and specifically,the motor 6306—are encased within the sterile barrier established by theadapter assembly 6302. Although this risk can arise from specificexternal factors, such as a harsh operating environment, thenon-limiting aspect of FIG. 9 is configured to monitor the self-heatingof electronics within the adapter assembly 6302. By detecting whenoverheating occurs, the surgical instrument 6300—or an operatingclinician—can take preventative action. Accordingly, the temperaturesensor 6308 can be specifically configured to function over the expectedoperating temperature range for the surgical instrument, including aconservative factor of safety.

Still referring to FIG. 9, the temperature sensor 6308 (e.g., athermocouple, a thermistor, a resistance temperature detector, asemiconductor-based sensor) can generate a signal associated with atemperature of the handheld device 6304. The surgical instrument canfurther include a control circuit 6309 coupled to the temperature sensor6308 and configured to receive the signal and determine a temperature ofthe handheld device 6304 based, at least in part, on the signalgenerated by the temperature sensor 6308. The control circuit 6309 canalso be coupled to a power source 6311 and the piezoelectric oscillatingfan 6310. According to some non-limiting aspects, the control circuit6309 can be positioned within the surgical instrument 6300 itself.Alternatively, the control circuit 6309 can be positioned within theadapter assembly 6302 or a hub to which the surgical instrument 6300 isconnected. Regardless of the specific configuration, it shall beappreciated that the temperature sensor 6308 can be implemented with thecontrol circuit 6309 to monitor the temperature of the motor 6306, thehandheld device 6304, the adapter assembly 6302, or any other aspect ofthe surgical instrument 6300 depicted in FIG. 9.

The surgical instrument 6300 of FIG. 9 further includes a piezoelectricoscillating fan 6310 coupled to the control circuit 6309, wherein thepiezoelectric oscillating fan 6310 is configured to alter thetemperature within the handheld device 6304. For example, if the controlcircuit 6309 receives a signal from the temperature sensor 6308 anddetermines that the temperature within the handheld device 6304 hasexceeded a predetermined threshold, the control circuit can direct powerfrom the power source 6311 to the piezoelectric oscillating fan 6310,which is configured to lower the temperature within the handheld device6304 when powered on. Alternatively, the control circuit 6309 can beconfigured to automatically activate the piezoelectric oscillating fan6310 whenever the motor 6306 is activated, and to attenuate an operatingmode of the piezoelectric oscillating fan 6310 when the temperatureexceeds a predetermined threshold. Although the non-limiting aspect ofFIG. 9 depicts a piezoelectric oscillating fan 6310, the presentdisclosure contemplates other non-limiting aspects wherein the surgicalinstrument utilizes any number of components configured to alter thetemperature within the adapter assembly 6302 (e.g., electric fans,cooling plates, heat pipes, synthetic jet air components, electrostaticfluid accelerators). Regardless of the specific combination or method ofoperation, it shall be appreciated that the combination of thetemperature sensor 6308, the control circuit 6309, the power source6311, and the piezoelectric oscillating fan 6310 can be implemented tomanage energy within the adapter assembly 6302, as it is produced by themotor 6306 of the handheld device 6304.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, sectioned top views of the surgicalinstrument 6300 of FIG. 9 are depicted in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to thenon-limiting aspect of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the adapter assembly 6302 ofthe surgical device 6300 can include two piezoelectric oscillating fans6310, which are specifically oriented to be inserted into twocorresponding electrical contacts 6312 of the handheld device 6304. Whenthe handheld device 6304 is installed into the adapter assembly 6302, asis depicted in FIG. 10B, the piezoelectric oscillating fans 6310 arereceived by the electrical contacts 6312 of the handheld device 6304, asis depicted in FIG. 10B. Accordingly, the piezoelectric oscillating fans6310 are placed in electrical contact with the power source 6311 and/orthe control circuit 6309, as depicted in FIG. 9. When the handhelddevice 6304 is installed in the adapter assembly 6302, the piezoelectricoscillating fans 6310 are further positioned within an inner housing ofthe handheld device 6304 and thus, can cool the motors 6306 and,generally, the entire interior cavity of the handheld device 6304. Assuch, the piezoelectric oscillating fans 6310 of FIG. 10B can beactivated, receive signals from the temperature sensor 6308 (FIG. 9)and, subsequently, alter an operating temperature of the handheld device6304 and its components.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, top views of an energy managementcomponent 6310 of the adapter assembly 6302 of FIGS. 9 and 10 aredepicted in accordance with at least one aspect of the presentdisclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIGS. 11A and 11B,the piezoelectric oscillating fans 6310 can include electrical contacts6314 that correspond to the electrical contacts 6312 of the handhelddevice 6304. In the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 11A, the piezoelectricoscillating fans 6310 are deactivated. In other words, the electricalcontacts 6314 of the piezoelectric oscillating fans 6310 do not haveaccess to the power source 6311 (FIG. 9). The power source 6311 (FIG. 9)is either turned off or the handheld device 6304 is not properlyinstalled within the adaptor assembly 6302, as is depicted in FIG. 10A.However, in the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 11B, electrical contacts6314 are energized and the piezoelectric oscillating fans 6310 areoscillating and, therefore, cooling the handheld device 6304 and itsinternal components (e.g., motors 6306, power source 6311, temperaturesensor 6308, and/or control circuit 6309, depicted in FIG. 9). Theconfiguration of FIG. 11B provides an example of the piezoelectricoscillating fans 6310 depicted in FIG. 10B.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a chart depicting a variable rate of energymanagement implemented by the surgical instrument 6300 of FIGS. 9-11 isdepicted, in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of thepresent disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 9, thepiezoelectric oscillating fans 6310 (FIGS. 9-11) can be configured tooscillate at a variable rate, depending on the temperature detected bythe temperature sensor 6308 (FIG. 9). For example, the control circuit6309 (FIG. 9) can activate a first piezoelectric oscillating fan 6310when the temperature sensor 6308 (FIG. B9) detects an operatingtemperature of the handheld device 6304 (FIGS. 9 and 10) has exceeded afirst temperature threshold T_(hot). However, if the temperature doesnot decrease and instead, continues to exceed a second temperaturethreshold T_(max), the control circuit 6309 (FIG. 9) can activate asecond piezoelectric oscillating fan 6310. According to the non-limitingaspect of FIG. 12, the activation of the second piezoelectricoscillating fan 6310 begins to reduce the operating temperature of thehandheld device 6304 (FIGS. 9 and 10). Accordingly, the chart of FIG. 12illustrates a step function indicating a step that correlates to theactivation of each piezoelectric oscillating fan 6310, as well as asteady increase and subsequent decrease in the operating temperature ofthe handheld device 6304 (FIGS. 9 and 10) from T_(hot) to T_(max) anddown once again. The reserve of resources based on the sensed operatingtemperature of the handheld device 6304 (FIGS. 9 and 10) can result in amore efficient surgical instrument that conserves power and thus,provides an extended life while retaining the energy management benefitsdiscussed in association with FIGS. 9-11.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a sectioned side view of a surgical instrumentincluding a handheld surgical device 6404 and an adapter assembly 6400that includes energy management components 6408, 6410, 6414 is depictedin accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 13, the adapterassembly 6400 can include proximal portion 6402 and a distal portion6403 connected in a clamshell configuration via a hinge 6406.Collectively, the proximal portion 6402 and the distal portion 6403 canconstitute an outer shell or housing that defines an internal cavity6409 configured to encase a handheld device 6404 with a motor 6412 thatcan generate energy when the surgical instrument is in use. Accordingly,the adapter assembly 6400 can be configured to transition from an openconfiguration—wherein the hinge 6206 is open and the sterile barrier isdisrupted—to a closed configuration, wherein the hinge 6406 is closedand the sterile barrier is established. Collectively, the proximalportion 6402 and the distal portion 6403 can define a handle portionconfigured for the ergonomic handling of the surgical instrument whenthe handheld device 6404 is installed within the adapter assembly 6400.As can be seen in FIG. 13, the proximal portion 6402 and the distalportion 6403 of the adapter assembly 6400 can each include energymanagement components 6408, 6410, 6414 configured to effectively manageenergy created by a the motor 6412 when the handheld device 6404 isinstalled within an internal cavity 6409 of the adapter assembly 6400.

Still referring to FIG. 13, the adapter assembly 6400 can include a heatsink assembly including an external heat sink 6408 and an internal heatsink 6410 positioned within the internal cavity 6409 of the adapterassembly 6400. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 13, theexternal heat sink 6408 is positioned on an external surface of thedistal portion 6403 of the adapter assembly 6400 and is configured toconvect thermal energy produced by the motor 6412 away from the adapterassembly 6400. In some non-limiting aspect, the external heat sink caninclude a plurality of fins configured to expand the surface area off ofwhich thermal energy can be convected. The internal heat sink 6410 canbe positioned within the proximal portion 6402 of the adapter assembly6400 and configured to mechanically contact a motor 6412 of the handhelddevice 6404, thereby creating a conductive thermal path for thermalenergy to be routed off of—and away from—the motor 6412. A secondinternal heat sink 6414 can be positioned within the distal portion 6403of the adapter assembly 6400 and configured to mechanically contact theexternal heat sink 6408 while preserving the sterile barrier formed bythe adapter assembly 6400. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG.13, the external heat sink 6408 can include an internal portion 6414configured to traverse inside the internal cavity 6409 of the adapterassembly 6400 while maintaining the sterile barrier when the adapterassembly 6400 is in its closed configuration. The internal portion 6414of the external heat sink 6408 can be further configured to mechanicallycontact a compressible, conductive material 6416. The compressible,conductive material 6416 can be configured to interface the internalheat sink 6410 and the internal portion 6414 of the external heat sink6408 when the hinge 6406 is closed, thereby extending the thermallyconductive path from the motor 6412 to the external heat sink 6408,where it can be convected away from the surgical instrument.Accordingly, when the hinge 6406 is closed and the surgical instrumentis being used by a clinician, the heat sink assembly can transferthermal energy generated by the motor 6412 away from the internal cavity6409.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the compressible, conductive material 6416 ofFIG. 13 is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspectof the present disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG.14, the compressible, conductive material 6416 can be configured tocompress, thereby establishing an interference fit between the internalheat sink 6410 and the internal portion 6414 of the external heat sink6408. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 13, the compressible,conductive material 6416 can improve the conductive efficiency betweenthe internal heat sink 6410 and the internal portion 6414 of theexternal heat sink 6408. For example, the compressible, conductivematerial 6416 can include a metal mesh (e.g., scouring, sponge, typematerial) or a thermally conductive elastomer, among others. Thecompressible, conductive material 6416 of FIG. 14 can be configured tocompress around imperfections, thereby filling discontinuities in thecollective, conductive thermal path established by the internal heatsink 6410 and the internal portion 6414 of the external heat sink 6408.Accordingly, the compressible, conductive material 6416 can account forthermal and dimensional tolerances.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a sectioned side view of a surgical instrumentincluding a handheld surgical device 6504 and an adapter assembly 6500that includes energy management components 6508, 6510, 6514, 6516 isdepicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of thepresent disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 15, theadapter assembly 6500 can include proximal portion 6502 and a distalportion 6503 connected in a clamshell configuration via a hinge 6506.Collectively, the proximal portion 6502 and the distal portion 6503 canconstitute an outer shell or housing that defines an internal cavity6509 configured to encase a handheld device 6504 that can generateenergy when the surgical instrument is in use. Accordingly, the adapterassembly 6500 is configured to transition from an open configuration,wherein the hinge 6206 is open and the sterile barrier is disrupted, toa closed configuration, wherein the hinge 6506 is closed and the sterilebarrier is established. Collectively, the proximal portion 6502 and thedistal portion 6503 can define a handle portion configured for theergonomic handling of the surgical instrument when the handheld device6504 is installed within the adapter assembly 6500. As can be seen inFIG. 15, the proximal portion 6502 and distal portion 6503 of theadapter assembly 6500 can each include energy management components6508, 6510, 6514, 6516 configured to effectively manage energy createdby a handheld device when installed within an internal cavity 6509 ofthe adapter assembly 6500.

Still referring to FIG. 15, the adapter assembly 6500 can include a heatsink assembly including an external heat sink 6508 and several internalheat sinks 6510, 6514 positioned within the internal cavity 6509 of theadapter assembly 6500. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 15,the external heat sink 6508 is positioned on an external surface of thedistal portion 6503 of the adapter assembly 6500 and is configured toconvect thermal energy produced by the motor 6512 away from the surgicalinstrument 6500. In some non-limiting aspect, the external heat sink caninclude a plurality of fins configured to expand the surface area off ofwhich thermal energy can be convected. A first internal heat sink 6510can be positioned within the proximal portion 6502 of the adapterassembly 6500 and configured to mechanically contact a motor 6512 of thehandheld device 6504, thereby creating a conductive thermal path forthermal energy to be routed off of—and away from—the motor 6512. Asecond internal heat sink 6514 can be positioned within the distalportion 6503 of the adapter assembly 6500 and configured to mechanicallycontact the external heat sink 6508 while preserving the sterile barrierformed by the adapter assembly 6500. The second internal heat sink 6514can be further configured to mechanically contact with the first heatsink 6510 when the hinge 6506 is closed, thereby extending the thermallyconductive path from the motor 6512 to the external heat sink 6508.Accordingly, when the hinge 6506 is closed and the surgical instrumentis being used by a clinician, the heat sink assembly can transferthermal energy generated by the motor 6512 away from the internal cavity6509. The non-limiting aspect of FIG. 15 is notably depicted in an openconfiguration, and thus, the second heat sink 6514 is not depicted inmechanical contact with the first heat sink 6510.

In further reference to FIG. 15, the heat sink assembly can furtherinclude a thermal paste 6516 (e.g., thermal compound, grease) configuredto interface the first internal heat sink 6510 and the second internalheat sink 6514. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 15, thethermal paste 6516 can improve the conductive efficiency between thefirst internal heat sink 6510 and the second internal heat sink 6514and, thus, the external heat sink 6508. Additionally, the thermal paste6516 can be configured to alleviate hot spots that typically developbetween coupled heat sinks by filling discontinuities in the collective,conductive thermal path established by the first internal heat sink 6510and second internal heat sink 6514 and accounting for thermal anddimensional tolerances. The thermal paste 6516 of FIG. 15 can be similarto those used in integrated circuit electronics, as are typicallyapplied between computer processing units and corresponding heat sinks.For example, although the thermal paste 6516 can be thermallyconductive, it may not be electrically conductive, thereby reducing thepotential for shocks and/or short circuits. The thermal paste 6516 canbe pre-applied to the adapter assembly 6500 and re-applied to thehandheld device 6504 when the adapter assembly 6500—and sterilebarrier—needs to be replaced. The thermal paste 6516 can offer severaladvantages over graphite pads and/or thermally conductive pads, whichcan break down over time and, thus, become less efficient. Additionally,the thermal paste 6516 contemplated by the present disclosure is lessexpensive than comparable graphite and/or thermally conductive pads.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a sectioned side view of a surgical instrumentincluding a handheld surgical device 6604 and an adapter assembly 6600that includes energy management components 6608, 6610, 6614, 6616 isdepicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of thepresent disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 16, theadapter assembly 6600 can include a proximal portion 6602 and a distalportion 6603 connected in a clamshell configuration via a hinge 6606.Collectively, the proximal portion 6602 and the distal portion 6603 canconstitute an outer shell or housing that defines an internal cavity6609 configured to encase a handheld device 6604 that can generateenergy when the surgical instrument is in use. Accordingly, the adapterassembly 6600 is configured to transition from an open configuration,wherein the hinge 6606 is open and the sterile barrier is disrupted, toa closed configuration, wherein the hinge 6606 is closed and the sterilebarrier is established. Collectively, the proximal portion 6602 and thedistal portion 6603 can define a handle portion configured for theergonomic handling of the surgical instrument when the handheld device6604 is installed within the adapter assembly 6600. As can be seen inFIG. 16, the proximal portion 6602 and distal portion 6603 of theadapter assembly 6600 can each include energy management components6608, 6610, 6614, 6616 configured to effectively manage energy createdby a handheld device when installed within an internal cavity 6609 ofthe adapter assembly 6600.

Still referring to FIG. 16, the adapter assembly 6600 can include a heatsink assembly including an external heat sink 6608 and several internalheat sinks 6610, 6614, 6616 positioned within the internal cavity 6609of the adapter assembly 6600. According to the non-limiting aspect ofFIG. 16, the external heat sink 6608 is positioned on an externalsurface of the distal portion 6603 of the adapter assembly 6600 and isconfigured to convect thermal energy produced by the motor 6612 awayfrom the surgical instrument 6600. In some non-limiting aspect, theexternal heat sink 6608 can include a plurality of fins configured toexpand the surface area off of which thermal energy can be convected. Aninternal heat sink 6610 can be positioned within the proximal portion6602 of the adapter assembly 6600 and configured to mechanically contacta motor 6612 of the handheld device 6604, thereby creating a conductivethermal path for thermal energy to be routed off of—and away from—themotor 6612. The internal heat sink 6610 can terminate in a wedge-shaped,thermally conductive surface area 6614. The thermally conductive surfacearea 6614 can be configured to mechanically contact a translatingconductor 6616 positioned within the distal portion 6603 of the adapterassembly 6600. The translating conductor 6616 can be further configuredto move between a first position and a second position within the distalportion 6603 of the adapter assembly 6600. For example, when the adapterassembly 6600 is in the closed configuration, the translating conductor6616 makes mechanical contact with the thermally conductive surface area6614, which is moved from the first position to the second positionbased, at least in part, on the wedge-shaped configuration of thethermally conductive surface area 6614. In the second position, thetranslating conductor 6616 is in mechanical contact with the externalheat sink 6608, thereby extending the thermally conductive path from themotor 6612 to the external heat sink 6608 while preserving the sterilebarrier formed by the adapter assembly 6600.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a sectioned side view of the energy managementcomponents 6608, 6610, 6614, 6616 of FIG. 16 is depicted in accordancewith at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 17, the internal heat sink6610 can mechanically contact the motor 6612 of the handheld device 6604(FIG. 16) and can terminate in a wedge-shaped, thermally conductivesurface area 6614. The translating conductor 6616 is further illustratedas configured with a corresponding geometry to the wedge shape of thethermally conductive surface area 6414. As is depicted in FIG. 17, asthe proximal portion 6602 of the adapter assembly 6600 (FIG. 16) movestowards the distal portion 6603 of the adapter assembly 6600, thewedge-shaped, thermally conductive surface area 6614 forces thetranslating conductor 6616 up towards the external heat sink 6608. Thenon-limiting aspect of FIG. 17 further includes a spring 6617, which canbe configured to movably couple the translating conductor 6616 to aninterior wall of the internal cavity 6609 (FIG. 16) or in some aspects,to the external heat sink 6608 itself. Although the non-limiting aspectof FIG. 17 includes a wedge-shaped geometry, it shall be appreciatedthat any corresponding geometry capable of engaging the thermallyconductive surface area 6614 and thus, moving the translating conductor6616 into mechanical contact with the external heat sink 6608 can beemployed to extend the thermally conductive path from the motor 6612.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, the adapter assembly 6600 of FIG. 16is depicted in accordance with another non-limiting aspect of thepresent disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIGS. 18 and19, the spring 6617 of FIG. 17 includes a wave spring 6618 geometry thatis dispositioned within the distal portion 6603 between the translatingconductor 6616 and the wedge-shaped, thermally conductive surface area6614. The wave spring 6618 can include any compressible and/or elasticmaterial that is thermally conductive, rendering it suitable forefficiently transferring thermal energy from the translating conductor6616 to the external heat sink 6608. As is depicted in FIG. 19, the wavespring 6618 can include a plurality of internal pockets 6620 thatprovide the spring 6617 with an increased surface area. When compressed,the pockets 6620 can compress, causing the interior walls of the pockets6620 to contact one another. Accordingly, the wave spring 6618—and morespecifically, the pockets 6620—can increase the conductive surface areaof the thermal path, thereby creating a more efficient removal ofthermal energy from the internal cavity 6609 of the adapter assembly6000. Although the wave spring 6618 of FIGS. 18 and 19 include aspecific geometry, it shall be appreciated that any geometry configuredto enable the movement of the translating conductor 6616 relative to theexternal heat sink 6608 while increasing the conductivity of the thermalpath to the motor 6612 can be implemented to achieve an improvedefficiency of heat transfer.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a sectioned perspective view of a surgicalinstrument 6700 including a handheld surgical device 6702 and a distalportion 6704 of an adapter assembly with energy management components6708, 6710 (FIG. 22), 6712 is depicted in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to thenon-limiting aspect of FIG. 20, the distal portion 6704 of the adapterassembly includes an external heat sink 6712. In some non-limitingaspects, the distal portion 6704 can be connected to a proximal portionof the adapter assembly in a clamshell configuration via a hinge.Regardless, the distal portion 6704 of the adapter assembly partiallydefines an outer shell that includes an internal cavity 6709 configuredto encase a handheld device 6702. Similar to other disclosed aspects, amotor 6706 of the handheld device 6702 can generate energy when thesurgical instrument 6700 is in use. Accordingly, the distal portion 6704can be configured to mechanically couple to the handheld device 6702,thereby establishing a sterile barrier. As can be seen in FIG. 20, thedistal portion 6704 of the adapter assembly and the handheld device 6702can collectively include energy management components 6708, 6710 (FIG.22), 6712 configured to effectively manage energy created by a handhelddevice 6702 when installed within an internal cavity 6709 of the adapterassembly.

In further reference to FIG. 20, the surgical instrument 6700 caninclude an external heat sink 6712 and several internal heat sinks 6708,6710 (FIG. 22), 6711 positioned within the internal cavity 6709 of theadapter assembly. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 20, theexternal heat sink 6712 can be positioned on an external surface of thedistal portion 6704 of the adapter assembly and is configured to convectthermal energy produced by the motor 6706 away from the surgicalinstrument 6700. In some non-limiting aspects, the external heat sink6712 can include a plurality of fins configured to expand the surfacearea off of which thermal energy can be convected. An internal heat sink6708 can be positioned within the internal cavity 6709 of the adapterassembly and configured to mechanically contact the a motor 6706 of thehandheld device 6702, thereby creating a conductive thermal path forthermal energy to be routed off of—and away from—the motor 6706. Theinternal heat sink 6708 can terminate in thermally conductive surfacearea 6710 positioned proximal to a distal end of the handheld device6702. The thermally conductive surface area 6710 can be configured tomechanically contact a leaf spring 6711 coupled to an internal surfaceof the external heat sink 6712 when the handheld device 6702 is properlyinstalled within the internal cavity 6709 and arranged within the distalportion 6704 of the adapter assembly.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a sectioned perspective view of the energymanagement components 6710 (FIG. 22), 6711, 6712 of FIG. 20 is depictedin accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIGS. 20 and 21, theleaf spring 6711 is coupled to an internal surface 6713 of the externalheat sink 6712. Specifically, the mechanical nature of the leaf spring6711 is depicted in FIG. 21. For example, it shall be appreciated thatthe leaf spring 6711 can include a specific elastic nature, enabling itto apply an inward force when compressed. Accordingly, when the handhelddevice 6702 (FIG. 20) is properly installed within the internal cavity6709 (FIG. 20) and arranged within the distal portion 6704 of theadapter assembly, the leaf spring 6711 applies an inward force on thethermally conductive surface area 6710 (FIG. 22). This ensures that theleaf spring 6711 remains in mechanical engagement with the thermallyconductive surface area 6710, thereby establishing a conductive pathcapable of efficiently removing thermal energy from the motor 6706 ofthe surgical instrument 6700. The leaf spring 6711 can be eitherintegrally formed with the thermally conductive surface area 6710 orattached separately. In other non-limiting aspects, the leaf spring 6711can be mechanically coupled to the thermally conductive surface area6710 and configured to mechanically contact an internal surface of theexternal heat sink 6712 when the handheld device 6702 is properlyinstalled within the internal cavity 6709 and arranged within the distalportion 6704 of the adapter assembly.

Referring now to FIG. 22, various views of the energy managementcomponents 6710, 6711, 6712 of FIGS. 20 and 21 are depicted inaccordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 22, the leafspring 6711 can be positioned between the thermally conductive surfacearea 6710 of the handheld device 6702 (FIG. 20) and compressed when thehandheld device 6702 is properly installed within the internal cavity6709 (FIG. 20) and arranged within the distal portion 6704 of theadapter assembly. Due to the corresponding frustoconical structure ofthe thermally conductive surface area 6710 and distal portion 6704 ofthe adapter assembly, the leaf spring 6711 can compress more and more asthe handheld device 6702 is installed. Due to the elastic nature of theleaf spring 6711, the inward force applied by the leaf spring 6711gradually increases, thereby increasing the surface area by which thethermally conductive surface area 6710, the leaf spring 6711, and theexternal heat sink 6712 are in thermally conductive contact. It shall beappreciated that conductive efficiency improves as the conductivesurface area increases. Therefore, the energy management components6710, 6711, 6712 of FIGS. 20 and 21 can be implemented to effectivelyremove thermal energy generated by the motor 7606 (FIG. 20) from theinternal cavity 6709 (FIG. 20) of the surgical instrument 6700 (FIG.20).

Referring now to FIG. 23, a sectioned side view of a surgical instrument6800 including a handheld surgical device 6804 and an adapter assembly6801 that includes energy management system 6610, 6614, 6616 is depictedin accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 23, thesurgical instrument 6800 can include a proximal portion 6802 and adistal portion 6803 connected in a clamshell configuration via a hinge6806. Collectively, the proximal portion 6802 and the distal portion6803 can constitute an outer shell or housing that defines an internalcavity 6809 configured to encase the handheld device 6804 configured togenerate energy when the surgical instrument is in use. Accordingly, theadapter assembly 6801 can be configured to transition from an openconfiguration, wherein the hinge 6806 is open and the sterile barrier isdisrupted, to a closed configuration, wherein the hinge 6806 is closedand the sterile barrier is established. Collectively, the proximalportion 6802 and the distal portion 6603 can further define a handleportion 6805 configured for the ergonomic handling of the surgicalinstrument 6800 when the handheld device 6804 is installed within theadapter assembly 6801. As can be seen in FIG. 23, the proximal portion6802 and distal portion 6803 of the adapter assembly 6800 can eachinclude energy management components 6812, 6814, 6813, 6816 configuredto effectively manage energy created by a handheld device 6804 wheninstalled within an internal cavity 6809 of the adapter assembly 6801.

Still referring to FIG. 23, the surgical instrument 6800 can include anenergy storage and removal assembly 6812, 6814, 6813, 6816 including aremovable thermal energy storage device 6816 configured to be installedwithin a dedicated compartment 6813 within the internal cavity 6809 ofthe adapter assembly 6801. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG.23, one or more internal heat sinks 6812 can be configured tomechanically contact a motor 6810 of the handheld device 6804, therebycreating a conductive thermal path for thermal energy to be routed offof—and away from—the motor 6810. The one or more internal heat sinks6812 can terminate in one or more conductive contacts 6814 positionedwithin the dedicated compartment 6813 of the internal cavity 6809. Whenproperly installed within the dedicated compartment 6813, the removablethermal energy storage device 6816 can be configured to mechanicallycontact the one or more contacts 6814, thereby extending the thermallyconductive path into the removable thermal energy storage device 6816.

In further reference to FIG. 23, rather than utilizing an external heatsink configured to convect and/or radiate heat away from the handhelddevice 6804, the surgical instrument 6800 can route thermal energy awayfrom the motor 6810 and store it within the thermal energy storagedevice 6816. For example, the thermal energy storage device 6816 caninclude a material including a high specific heat configured todissipate heat throughout the storage device 6816 and strategicallyretard any rise in internal temperature. The removable storage device6816 can include one or more conductive contacts 6824 configured toengage the conductive contacts 6814 positioned within the dedicatedcompartment when the storage device 6816 is properly installed withinthe adapter assembly 6801. Accordingly, the removable storage device6816 of FIG. 23 can be configured to charge—that is, receive and storethermal energy generated by the motor 6810—as the surgical device 6800is in use. Specifically, the material with the high specific heat canabsorb and dissipate thermal energy it receives from the motor 6810throughout the storage device 6816. For example, the material caninclude a solid ingot or a liquid such as water. Of course, othernon-limiting aspects contemplated by the present disclosure contemplateany number of suitable materials for the removable storage device 6816.When the storage device 6816 achieves a critical temperature, it can beremoved from the dedicated compartment and replaced with a similarlyconfigured—albeit cooler—storage device 6816. The replacement can eitherbe ambient temperature or pre-cooled below an ambient temperature tofurther delay the time it takes to achieve a critical temperature.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a sectioned perspective view of the energymanagement components 6824, 6826, 6828 of the energy management system6816 of FIG. 23 is depicted in accordance with at least one aspect ofthe present disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 24,either the dedicated compartment 6813, the storage device 6816, or bothcan include a temperature sensor 6822 (e.g., a thermocouple, athermistor, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-basedsensor) configured to generate a signal associated with an operatingtemperature of the removable storage device 6816. The surgicalinstrument 6800 can further include a control circuit 6826 coupled tothe temperature sensor 6822 and configured to receive the signal anddetermine a temperature of the removable storage device 6816 based, atleast in part, on the signal generated by the temperature sensor 6822.Accordingly, the control circuit can determine that the temperature ofthe removable storage device 6816 has exceeded a predetermined thresholdand, thus, notify a clinician via alert.

Still referring to FIG. 24, the energy management system can furtherinclude a light emitting diode indicator 6828 coupled to the controlcircuit 6826 that can be configured to indicate the determined operatingtemperature of the removable storage device 6816 to a clinician.According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 24, the indicator 6828 canilluminate a specific color associated with the operating temperature ofthe removable storage device 6816. For example, the indicator canilluminate a first color 6830 to indicate that the storage device 6816is of a cool temperature, a second color 6832 to indicate that thestorage device 6816 is of a warm temperature, and a third color 6834 toindicate that the storage device 6816 is of a hot temperature. When theindicator is illuminated the third color 6834, the operating cliniciancan remove and/or replace the removable storage device 6816. Althoughthe non-limiting aspect of FIG. 24 illustrates a light emitting diodeindicator 6828, the present disclosure contemplates other non-limitingaspects featuring a variety of different alerts, including audible,haptic, and/or visual alerts. Likewise, the surgical instrument 6800 ofFIG. 23 can be alerted to include any number of user interfacecomponents, including screens, speakers, motors, lights, and/or thelike. As previously discussed, the storage device 6816 can include asolid ingot. Alternatively, the storage device 6816 can include a hollowcavity and/or bladder comprising a fluid, such as water. Additionallyand/or alternatively, the adapter assembly 6801 can include insulation6836 positioned between an interior wall of the dedicated compartment6813 to further manage and/or contain any thermal energy generated bythe motor 6810 that is not stored within the storage device 6816.Accordingly, the indicator 6828 and removable storage device 6816 ofFIGS. 23 and 24 can be utilized to effectively manage energy dissipatedby the handheld device 6804, thereby facilitating a safe and continueduse of the surgical instrument 6800.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a sectioned perspective view of an energymanagement system 7000 of a surgical instrument is depicted inaccordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 25, the energymanagement system 7000 can include a thermoelectric coolingconfiguration, including a Peltier module 7002 configured to assist inthe management of thermal energy generated by the motor 7010. ThePeltier module 7002 can be configured to utilize a thermoelectriceffect, which utilizes an electric current configured to flow betweentwo material junctions, which can cause cooling. In the non-limitingaspect of FIG. 25, the Peltier module 7002 can include a matrix of P/Njunctions dispositioned between a plurality of P nodes 7004 and aplurality of N nodes 7006. The plurality of P nodes 7004 and theplurality of N nodes 7006 collectively constitute a matrix of joinedelectrical conductors 7004, 7006 that can be connected to a power source7012 via a pair of leads 7008 a, 7008 b. The power source 7012 can thusapply a voltage across the matrix of joined conductors 7004, 7006 tocreate an electric current. When the current flows through the junctionsof the two conductors 7004, 7006, thermal energy can be removed from afirst side 7014 of the matrix of the two conductors 7004, 7006 anddeposited on a second side 7016 of the matrix of the two conductors7004, 7006. The first side 7014 can be configured to abut the motor7010, and the second side 7016 can be positioned away from motor 7010such that thermal energy is pulled away from the motor 7010 to preventoverheating. According to some non-limiting aspects, the energymanagement system 7000 of FIG. 25 can further include a heat sink toassist in dispelling the thermal energy that is pulled away from themotor 7010 via the Peltier module 7002.

Although the non-limiting aspects of FIGS. 5-25 depict energy managementsystems configured to manage the generation of thermal energy, it shallbe appreciated that similar systems can be implemented to effectivelymanage the generation of a wide variety of energies produced by themotor, handheld device, or surgical instrument as a whole. For example,the following aspects can be implemented to assist with the managementof vibrational and/or acoustic energy generated by the motor of ahandheld device when the surgical instrument is in use. As is the casewith thermal energy, the inclusion of an adapter assembly thatestablishes a sterile barrier around the handheld device can complicatethe dissipation of vibrational and/or acoustic energy. Without a propermeans of managing this energy, the surgical instrument can suffer fromreduced accuracy and/or an accelerated degradation of components and canbecome difficult for a clinician to handle. Accordingly, there is a needfor energy management systems that can be configured to manage andmitigate the generation of vibrational and/or acoustic energy.

Referring now to FIG. 26, a sectioned perspective view of a surgicalinstrument 7500 including a handheld surgical device and an adapterassembly 7502 that includes an energy management system 7504 is depictedin accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 26, thesurgical instrument 7500 can include an adapter assembly 7502 with anouter shell housing that defines an internal cavity 7509. A handhelddevice can be installed within the internal cavity 7509, including itsrequisite components. For example, the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 26includes a motor 7506, a power source 7508, a sensor 7510, and a controlcircuit 7512 within the internal cavity 7509. The motor 7506,specifically, can produce vibrational energy when the surgicalinstrument 7500 is in operation, as is depicted in FIG. 26.

In further reference to FIG. 26, the surgical instrument can include anenergy management system 7504 dispositioned within the internal cavity7509 of the adapter assembly 7502. According to the non-limiting aspectof FIG. 26, the surgical instrument 7500 can include composites 7504,which are strategically situated throughout the internal cavity 7509,wherein the composites 7504 are configured to manage the vibrationalenergy generated by the motor 7506. For example, the composites 7504 caninclude piezoelectric characteristics that are configured to dampen thevibrational energy by producing a counterforce to the generatedvibrational energy when activated. In some non-limiting aspects, thecomposites can be configured to automatically produce the aforementionedcounterforces as soon as the motor 7506 is activated. As will bediscussed, the counterforces can be specifically configured to mitigateand/or substantially eliminate the vibrational energy generated by themotor 7506. For example, the composites 7504 can produce counterforcesthat are equal, albeit opposite, to the vibrational energy generated bythe motor 7506.

According to other non-limiting aspect of FIG. 26, the sensor 7510 candetect the vibrational energy generated by the motor 7506 when thesurgical instrument 7500 is in use. The sensor 7510 can generate asignal associated with the detected vibrational energy. The controlcircuit 7512 can be configured to receive the signal from the sensor7510 and determine an operational level of the vibrational energyproduced by the motor 7506 when the surgical instrument 7500 is in use.Upon determining that the operational level of the vibrational energyproduced by the motor 7506 exceeds a predetermined threshold, thecontrol circuit 7512 can route energy from the power source 7508 to thepiezoelectric composites 7504. Upon activation, the piezoelectriccomposites 7504 can be configured to generate the counterforce, therebydampening the vibrational energy generated by the motor 7506 when thesurgical instrument 7500 is in use. Accordingly, the surgical instrument7500 of FIG. 26 can be configured self-stabilize, making it easier foran operating clinician to use.

Referring now to FIG. 27, a chart depicting an energy response 7516 ofthe energy management system 7504 of FIG. 26 is depicted in accordancewith at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. As waspreviously discussed, the counterforces 7516 produced by the composites7504 of FIG. 26 can be specifically configured to mitigate and/orsubstantially eliminate the vibrational energy 7514 generated by themotor 7506 (FIG. 26). According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 27,the composites 7504 of FIG. 26 can produce counterforces 7516 that areequal—albeit opposite—to the vibrational energy 7514 generated by themotor 7506. As such, the composites of FIG. 26 can reduce thevibrational energy 7514 generated by the motor 7506 (FIG. 26), improvingthe stability of the surgical instrument 7500 and, therefore, theaccuracy with which an operating clinician can use the surgicalinstrument 7500. Although the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 27 depicts anenergy response 7516 configured to match the vibrational energygenerated by the motor 7506 (FIG. 26), it shall be appreciated that theenergy management system 7504 contemplated by the present disclosure canbe specifically configured to produce any desired level of energyresponse 7516, in accordance with user preference and/or intendedapplication. This can be done via a user interface communicably coupledto the control circuit 7512 (FIG. 26).

Referring now to FIG. 28, illustrating a sectioned perspective view ofan adapter assembly 7602 of a surgical instrument 7600 that includes anenergy management component 7604 is depicted in accordance with at leastone non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The adapter assembly7602 can define an internal cavity 7609 configured to accommodate ahandheld device and its requisite components, such as motor 7606.According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 28, the surgical instrument7600 can include a material layer 7604 strategically situated throughoutthe internal cavity 7609, wherein the material layer 7604 isspecifically configured to manage the vibrational energy generated bythe motor 7606. For example, the material layer 7604 can include a butylrubber configured to absorb vibrational energy generated by the motor7606 when the surgical instrument 7600 is in use.

In further reference to FIG. 28, the material layer 7604 can generallyinclude any vibration-reducing material with a sufficiently high dampingcoefficient and an ability to maintain performance without degradation.Accordingly, when the surgical instrument 7600 is used, the materiallayer 7604 can absorb shock energy and reduce the vibrations generatedby the motor 7606. Additionally and/or alternatively, the material layer7604 can include sound-deadening properties to reduce the vibrationalenergy impact on the surgical instrument 7600. For example, the materiallayer 7604 can include a material configured to absorb acoustic energy,thereby reducing the energy of sound waves generated by the motor 7606.The material layer 7604 can also be configured to absorb shock over awide range of frequencies and temperatures. Although the non-limitingaspect of FIG. 28 includes a material layer 7604 of butyl rubber, othernon-limiting aspects of the present disclosure contemplate a widevariety of material layers 7604 that possess the aforementionedproperties.

Still referring to FIG. 28, the present disclosure contemplates materiallayers 7604 composed of any natural or synthetic materials, includingvisco-elastic polymers, latex, and cork, among others. Likewise, thematerial layer 7604 can include various mechanical components, such assprings, to assist the material layer 7604 in managing vibrationalenergy produced by the motor 7606. Although the non-limiting aspect ofFIG. 28 includes a material layer 7604 configured to line the internalcavity 7609, still other non-limiting aspects include the material layer7606 dispositioned within the walls of the adapter assembly 7602 itself.Accordingly, it shall be appreciated that the material layer 7604 can beintentionally dispositioned throughout the structure of the surgicalinstrument 7600 to accomplish a desired degree of energy management.

Referring now to FIG. 29A, a sectioned profile view of an alternateenergy management component 7604 a of the adapter assembly of FIG. 27 isdepicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of thepresent disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 29A,the surgical instrument 7600 can include a material layer 7604 aconfigured to manage the acoustic energy of sound waves produced by themotor 7606. For example, the material layer 7604 a of FIG. 29A caninclude a plurality of pyramid absorbers, similar to those found inanechoic chambers. The anechoic geometry of the material layer 7604 a ofFIG. 29A is specifically configured to absorb and suppress thereflection of acoustic energy generated by the motor 7606 when thesurgical instrument 7600 is in use. Acoustic waves emitted by the motor7606 reflect off the angled walls of each pyramid, which prevent theenergy from reflecting off the wall and back into the internal cavity7609 (FIG. 28). In other words, the anechoic geometry preventsreverberation, which can exacerbate the vibration of the surgicalinstrument 7600. Accordingly, the material layer 7604 a can be used tosupplement and/or enhance the management of energy, thereby reducing theensuing vibration and/or degradation of the surgical instrument 7600.

Referring now to FIG. 29B, a sectioned profile view of an alternateenergy management component 7604 b of the adapter assembly of FIG. 27 isdepicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of thepresent disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 29B,the surgical instrument 7600 can include a material layer 7604 a with asimilar anechoic geometry depicted in FIG. 29A. The material layer 7604b manages the acoustic energy emitted by the motor 7606 similar to thematerial layer 7604 a of FIG. 29A. However, the material layer 7604 a ofFIG. 29A can inadvertently insulate the adapter assembly 7602 (FIG. 28),which can be detrimental to the management of thermal energy generatedby the motor 7606. Accordingly, the material layer 7604 b of FIG. 29Bcan further include a plurality of air chambers 7610 between thematerial layer 7604 b and an interior wall of the internal cavity 7609of the adapter assembly 7602. As such, thermal energy can still escapethe internal cavity 7609 (FIG. B28) through the plurality of airchambers 7610. Additionally and/or alternatively, the material layer7604 b to be combined with the thermally conductive channels, baffles,and heat sinks, as previously discussed. Accordingly, the material layer7604 b of FIG. 29B can be implemented to effectively manage thermal,acoustic, and vibrational energy generated by the surgical instrument7600.

Referring now to FIG. 30A, an energy management system 7700 of asurgical instrument is depicted in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to thenon-limiting aspect of FIG. 30A, the energy management system 7700 caninclude a counterweight 7708 a configured to be coupled to thedriveshaft 7702 of a motor 7706 of a surgical instrument. The driveshaft7702 of the motor 7706 traverses along a driveshaft axis A. Thedriveshaft axis A defines a first side 7710 and a second side 7712 ofthe motor 7706. In the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 30A, both thecounterweight 7708 a and the drive member 7704 that engages the driveshaft 7702 are both positioned on the first side 7710 of the motor 7706.Accordingly, the counterweight 7708 a of the energy management system7700 is configured to rotate in an opposite direction of the driveshaft,thereby producing a counterforce configured to dampen vibrational energygenerated by the motor 7706 when the surgical instrument is in use.

Referring now to FIG. 30B, a chart depicting an energy response 7716 ofthe energy management system 7700 of FIG. 30A is depicted in accordancewith at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. As waspreviously discussed, the counterforces 7716 produced by the energymanagement system 7700 of FIG. 30A can be specifically configured tomitigate the vibrational energy 7714 generated by the motor 7706 (FIG.30A). The rotation of the counterweight 7708 a of FIG. 30B in anopposite direction to the driveshaft 7702 can produce counterforces 7716that are similar in magnitude—albeit opposite—to the vibrational energy7714 generated by the motor 7706. As is depicted in FIG. 30B, the deltain magnitude between the vibrational energy 7714 generated by the motor7706 (FIG. 30A) and the dampening energy 7716 generated by thecounterweight 7708 a can produce a resulting energy 7718 that can befelt by an operating clinician but is substantially lower in magnitudethan the unmitigated vibrational energy 7714 generated by the motor 7706(FIG. 30A).

Referring now to FIG. 30C, an energy management system 7700 of asurgical instrument is depicted in accordance with at least onenon-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to thenon-limiting aspect of FIG. 30C, the energy management system 7700 caninclude a counterweight 7708 b configured to be coupled to thedriveshaft 7702 of a motor 7706, similar to the non-limiting aspect ofFIG. 30A. Once again, the driveshaft 7702 of the motor 7706 traversesalong a driveshaft axis A, which defines a first side 7710 and a secondside 7712 of the motor 7706. However, in the non-limiting aspect of FIG.30C, the counterweight 7708 b is positioned on the first side 7710 ofthe motor 7706 and the drive member 7704 that engages the drive shaft7702 is positioned on the second side 7712 of the motor 7706.Accordingly, the counterweight 7708 b of the energy management system7700 is configured to rotate in the same direction of the driveshaft,thereby producing a counterforce configured to dampen vibrational energygenerated by the motor 7706 when the surgical instrument is in use. Thisis exhibited in FIG. 30C via the imbalance vectors, which are orientedin an opposite direction as the force vectors produced by thecounterweight 7708 b dampers. Thus, the counterweight 7708 b can producea similar energy response to the energy response 7716 depicted in FIG.30B, which is shown to substantially mitigate the vibrational energy7714 (FIG. 30B) generated by the motor 7706.

Referring now to FIG. 31, a perspective view of an energy managementsystem 7800 of a surgical instrument is depicted in accordance with atleast one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According tothe non-limiting aspect of FIG. 31, the surgical instrument can includea motor 7806, which can include a proximal pin 7804 configured to coupleto a bushing 7810 positioned within a proximal handle 7802 of thesurgical instrument. The bushing 7810 can be positioned among ballbearings 7808, which enable the bushing 7810 to freely spin within theproximal handle 7802. The bushing 7810 can further include a weight 7812configured to produce forces when the busing 7810 spins. Because theproximal pin 7804 can mechanically couple the bushing 7810 to a driveshaft of the motor 7806, the weight 7812 can be tuned to produce anenergy response specifically configured to counterbalance vibrationalenergy generated by the motor 7806. Additionally, because the bushing7810 can anchor the motor 7806 to the proximal handle 7802 of thesurgical instrument, the motor 7806 can be inhibited from movingrelative to the proximal handle 7802 of the surgical instrument.Accordingly, the bushing 7810 can produce a similar energy response tothe energy response 7716 depicted in FIG. 30B, which is shown tosubstantially mitigate the vibrational energy 7714 (FIG. 30B) dissipatedby the motor 7706.

Referring now to FIG. 32, a sectioned perspective view of an energymanagement system 7900 of a surgical instrument is depicted inaccordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 32, the energymanagement system 7900 can include a motor housing 7904 surrounding amotor 7903 of the handheld device 7902. According to the non-limitingaspect of FIG. 32, the motor housing 7904 can include a piezoelectricsheath 7908 that is coupled to a control circuit 7910, which is furthercoupled to a power source 7912. A sensor 7906 can be mechanicallycoupled to the motor and configured to detect the vibrational energygenerated by the motor 7503 when the surgical instrument 7500 is in use.

In further reference to FIG. 32, the sensor 7906 can be furtherconfigured to generate a signal associated with the detected vibrationalenergy of the motor 7903. A control circuit 7910 can be coupled to thesensor 7906 and configured to receive the signal from the sensor 7906and determine an operating level of the vibrational energy produced bythe motor 7506 when the surgical instrument 7500 is in use. The controlcircuit 7910 can be further coupled to a power source 7912. Upondetermining that the operational level of the vibrational energyproduced by the motor 7903 exceeds a predetermined threshold, thecontrol circuit 7910 can route energy from the power source 7912 to thepiezoelectric sheath 7908. Upon activation, the piezoelectric sheath7908 can be configured to generate the counterforce, thereby dampeningthe vibrational energy generated by the motor 7903 when the surgicalinstrument is in use. Accordingly, the energy management system 7900 ofFIG. 32 can be configured to self-stabilize the handheld device 7902 ofthe surgical instrument, making it easier for an operating clinician touse.

Referring now to FIG. 33, a sectioned front view of the energymanagement system 7900 of FIG. 32 is depicted in accordance with atleast one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According tothe non-limiting aspect of FIG. 33, the energy management system 7900can include a motor housing 7904 configured as a chassis that surrounds,supports, and suspends a motor 7903 assembly of the handheld device 7902from a piezoelectric sheath 7908. As previously discussed, a sensor 7906coupled to a control circuit 7910 (FIG. 32) and a power source 7912(FIG. 32) is dispositioned at a predetermined location on the motorhousing 7904. As can be seen in the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 33, thepiezoelectric sheath 7908 can include a circumferential perimeter aroundthe chassis specifically configured to translate a piezoelectric forceuniformly throughout the chassis 7904 to mitigate—and potentiallyeliminate—any mechanical reactions to the vibrational energy created bythe motor 7903 assembly when the surgical assembly is in use. It shallbe appreciated that the chassis 7904 configuration of FIG. 33 can beattenuated depending on the number of motors and the desired reaction tothe piezoelectric stimulation provided by the sheath 7908. Accordingly,any geometrical configuration can be implemented to fine-tune theperformance of the energy management system 7900 in accordance with userpreference and/or intended application.

Referring now to FIG. 34, a schematic of a control circuit 8000configured to manage energy dissipated by a surgical instrument isdepicted in accordance with at least one aspect of the presentdisclosure. For example, the control circuit 8000 can be configured toimplement the various energy management processes described herein.According to the non-limiting aspect of FIG. 34, the control circuit8000 can include a microcontroller comprising one or more processors8002 (e.g., microprocessor, microcontroller) coupled to at least onememory circuit 8008. The memory circuit 8008 can be configured to storemachine-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor8002, can cause the processor 8002 to execute machine instructions toimplement the various processes described herein. The processor 8002 canbe any one of a number of single-core or multicore processors known inthe art. Alternatively and/or additionally, the microcontroller caninclude a logic board, such as a Field Programmable Gate Array, forexample. The memory circuit 8008 can comprise volatile and non-volatilestorage media. The processor 8002 may include an instruction processingunit 8004 and an arithmetic unit 8006. The instruction processing unit8004 can be configured to receive instructions from the memory circuit8008 of this disclosure.

The surgical instruments described herein are motivated by an electricmotor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can bemotivated in any suitable manner. In certain instances, the motorsdisclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a roboticallycontrolled system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENTARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, disclosesseveral examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greaterdetail, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein. The disclosures of International Patent Publication No. WO2017/083125, entitled STAPLER WITH COMPOSITE CARDAN AND SCREW DRIVE,published May 18, 2017, International Patent Publication No. WO2017/083126, entitled STAPLE PUSHER WITH LOST MOTION BETWEEN RAMPS,published May 18, 2017, International Patent Publication No. WO2015/153642, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION,published Oct. 8, 2015, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2017/0265954, filed Mar. 17, 2017, entitled STAPLER WITH CABLE-DRIVENADVANCEABLE CLAMPING ELEMENT AND DUAL DISTAL PULLEYS, U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2017/0265865, filed Feb. 15, 2017, entitledSTAPLER WITH CABLE-DRIVEN ADVANCEABLE CLAMPING ELEMENT AND DISTALPULLEY, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0290586, entitled STAPLINGCARTRIDGE, filed on Mar. 29, 2017, are incorporated herein by referencein their entireties.

The surgical instruments described herein have been described inconnection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, theembodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments areenvisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps ortacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned whichutilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an endeffector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodesconfigured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an endeffector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrationalenergy to seal the tissue.

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out inthe following numbered examples:

Example 1—A surgical instrument including a handheld device including aninner housing and a power source coupled to a first drive assemblyincluding a first operating mode. The power source and first driveassembly are dispositioned within the inner housing. The surgicalinstrument further includes an adapter assembly including an outerhousing that defines an internal cavity. The outer housing is configuredto encase the handheld device, and further includes an energy managementsystem configured to manage energy dissipated by the handheld device,and a drive interface assembly including an internal interface and anexternal interface, wherein the internal interface is configured tomechanically couple to the first drive assembly of the handheld device.The surgical instrument further includes an interchangeable end effectorincluding a second drive assembly. The second drive assembly includes asecond operating mode that is different than the first operating mode ofthe first drive assembly, and the second drive assembly is configured tomechanically couple to the external interface of the drive interface.The internal interface of the drive interface assembly is configured totransfer a motion generated by the first drive assembly to the externalinterface of the drive interface assembly, and the external interface ofthe drive interface assembly is configured to transfer a motion of theinner interface of the drive interface assembly to the second driveassembly of the interchangeable end effector.

Example 2—The surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein theouter housing further includes a proximal portion and a distal portioncoupled to the proximal portion via a hinge. The distal portion isconfigured to move relative to the proximal portion between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration, and a sterile barrier isestablished around the handheld device in the closed configuration. Theenergy management system further includes a first heat sink coupled tothe proximal portion of the outer housing. The first heat sink isconfigured for mechanical contact with the handheld device when thehandheld device is encased within the internal cavity of the adapterassembly. The energy management system further includes a second heatsink coupled to an exterior surface of the distal portion of the outerhousing. The second heat sink is configured to interface the first heatsink without disrupting the sterile barrier when the adapter assembly isin the closed configuration, and mechanical contact between the firstheat sink and the second heat sink creates a thermally conductive pathbetween the handheld device and the second heat sink.

Example 3—The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 or2, further including a thermal paste positioned between the first heatsink and the second heat sink. The thermal paste is configured toincrease a surface area of the interface between the first heat sink andthe second heat sink and therefore, enhance a conductive efficiency ofthe interface.

Example 4—The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1-3,wherein the energy management system further includes a piezoelectricfan coupled to the power source, a temperature sensor configured togenerate signals associated with an operating temperature of thehandheld device, and a control circuit coupled to the power source andthe energy management system. The control circuit is configured toreceive a first signal from the temperature sensor, determine an firstoperating temperature of the handheld device based, at least in part, onthe first signal, determine if the first operating temperature meets orexceeds a predetermined threshold, and cause the piezoelectric fan tooscillate upon determining that the first operating temperature meets orexceeds the predetermined threshold.

Example 5—The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1-4,wherein the control circuit is further configured to receive a secondsignal from the temperature sensor, determine a second operatingtemperature of the handheld device based, at least in part, on thesecond signal, compare the first operating temperature to the secondoperating temperature, and vary the oscillation of the piezoelectric fanbased, at least in part, on the comparison of the first operatingtemperature and the second operating temperature.

Example 6—The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1-5,wherein the energy management system includes a piezoelectric dampenerconfigured to generate dampening vibrations, a sensor configured togenerate signals associated with a vibration of the surgical instrument,and a control circuit coupled to the power source and the energymanagement system. The control circuit is configured to receive a firstsignal from the sensor, determine an operating vibration level of thesurgical instrument based, at least in part, on the signal received fromthe sensor, determine if the operating vibration level of the surgicalinstrument exceeds a predetermined threshold, and cause thepiezoelectric dampener to produce a dampening vibration based, at leastin part, on the determination that the operating vibration level meetsor exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Example 7—The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1-6,wherein the first drive assembly includes a drive member and a rotarycomponent configured to engage the drive member, and the energymanagement system includes a dampening component. The rotary componentand the dampening component are coupled to a drive shaft of the motor.The drive shaft defines a first side and a second side of the motor. Thedampening component and the rotary component are both positioned on thefirst side of the motor and configured to rotate in opposite directions.The rotation of the rotary component applies a first force on the motorand the rotation of the dampening component applies a second force onthe motor in a direction opposite to that of the first force, therebyreducing a net energy dissipated by the handheld device.

Example 8—The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1-7,wherein the first drive assembly includes a drive member and a rotarycomponent configured to engage the drive member, and the energymanagement system includes a dampening component. The rotary componentand the dampening component are coupled to a drive shaft of the motor.The drive shaft defines a first side and a second side of the motor. Thedampening component is positioned on the first side of the motor and therotary component is positioned on the second side of the motor. Therotary component and the dampening component are configured to rotate inthe same direction such that the rotation of the rotary componentapplies a first force on the motor and the rotation of the dampeningcomponent applies a second force on the motor in a direction opposite tothat of the first force, thereby reducing a net energy dissipated by thehandheld device.

Example 9—The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 1-8, whereinthe energy management system includes a material dispositioned on, atleast a portion of, a wall of the internal cavity, wherein the materialis configured to dampen acoustic vibrations generated by the first driveassembly.

Example 10—The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 1-9, whereinthe material includes at least one of a butyl rubber, an asphalt, and anacoustic energy dampening spray, or any combination thereof.

Example 11—The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 1-10, whereinthe energy management system includes a geometric feature dispositionedon, at least a portion of, a wall of the internal cavity. The geometricfeature is configured to dampen acoustic energy generated by the firstdrive assembly.

Example 12—The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 1-11, whereinthe geometric feature includes a plurality of anechoic chambers. Eachanechoic chamber includes a plurality of air pockets. The geometricfeature is dispositioned such that air can flow between the wall of theinternal cavity and, at least a portion of, each anechoic chamber of theplurality of anechoic chambers.

Example 13—An adapter assembly configured to, at least partially, encasea handheld device of a surgical instrument configured for use with aplurality of interchangeable end effectors. The handheld device includesa power source and a drive assembly. The adapter assembly can include anouter housing including an internal cavity configured to encase thehandheld device, a drive interface assembly including an internalinterface configured to mechanically engage the drive assembly of thehandheld device, and an external interface configured to mechanicallyengage a drive assembly of an interchangeable end effector. The adapterassembly can further include an energy management system configured tomanage energy dissipated by the handheld device when the surgicalinstrument is in use.

Example 14—The adapter assembly of Example 13, wherein the outer housingfurther includes a proximal portion and a distal portion rotatablycoupled to the proximal portion via a hinge. The distal portion isconfigured to move relative to the proximal portion between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration. A sterile barrier isestablished around the handheld device in the closed configuration. Theenergy management system includes a first heat sink coupled to theproximal portion of the outer housing. The first heat sink is configuredfor mechanical contact with the handheld device when the handheld deviceis encased within the internal cavity of the adapter assembly. Theadapter assembly further includes a second heat sink coupled to anexterior surface of the distal portion of the outer housing. The secondheat sink is configured to mechanically contact the first heat sinkwithout disrupting the sterile barrier when the adapter assembly is inthe closed configuration. Mechanical contact between the first heat sinkand the second heat sink creates a thermally conductive path between thehandheld device and the second heat sink.

Example 15—The adapter assembly of any one of Examples 13 or 14, whereinthe energy management system further includes a piezoelectric fancoupled to the power source, a temperature sensor configured to generatesignals associated with an operating temperature of the handheld device,and a control circuit coupled to the power source and the energymanagement system. The control circuit is configured to receive a firstsignal from the temperature sensor, determine an first operatingtemperature of the handheld device based, at least in part, on the firstsignal, determine if the first operating temperature meets or exceeds apredetermined threshold, and cause the piezoelectric fan to oscillateupon determining that the first operating temperature meets or exceedsthe predetermined threshold.

Example 16—The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 13-15, whereinthe energy management system includes a sensor configured to detectvibrations and generate a signal associated with a vibration of thesurgical instrument, a piezoelectric dampener configured to generatedampening vibrations, and a control circuit coupled to the power sourceand the energy management system. The control circuit is configured toreceive a first signal from the sensor, determine an operating vibrationlevel of the surgical instrument based, at least in part, on the signalreceived from the sensor, determine if the operating vibration level ofthe surgical instrument exceeds a predetermined threshold, and cause thepiezoelectric dampener to produce a dampening vibration based, at leastin part, on the determination that the operating vibration level of thesurgical instrument exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Example 17—The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 13-16, whereinthe first drive assembly includes a drive member and a rotary componentconfigured to engage the drive member, and the energy management systemincludes a dampening component. The rotary component and the dampeningcomponent are coupled to a drive shaft of the motor. The drive shaftdefines a first side and a second side of the motor. The dampeningcomponent and the rotary component are both positioned on the first sideof the motor and configured to rotate in opposite directions. Therotation of the rotary component applies a first force on the motor andthe rotation of the dampening component applies a second force on themotor in a direction opposite to that of the first force, therebyreducing a net energy dissipated by the handheld device.

Example 18—A surgical instrument, including a handheld device includinga first drive assembly and a power source, an adapter assembly includingan internal cavity configured to accommodate a handheld device, whereinthe adapter assembly is configured to establish a sterile barrier aroundthe handheld device, and an energy management system configured toextract energy dissipated by the handheld device from the internalcavity without disrupting the sterile barrier.

Example 19—The surgical instrument of Example 18, further including aplurality of interchangeable end effectors. A first interchangeable endeffector of the plurality of interchangeable end effectors includes afirst drive interface configured for a first operating mode. A secondinterchangeable end effector of the plurality of interchangeable endeffectors includes a second drive interface configured for a secondoperating mode. The first operating mode is different than the secondoperating mode. The surgical instrument further includes a driveinterface assembly including an internal interface configured to engagethe first drive assembly and an external interface configured to engagethe first drive interface and the second drive interface.

Example 20—The surgical instrument of Examples 18 or 19, wherein theadapter assembly further includes a proximal portion and a distalportion rotatably coupled to the proximal portion via a hinge. Thedistal portion is configured to move relative to the proximal portionbetween an open configuration and a closed configuration. The energymanagement system includes a first heat sink coupled to the proximalportion. The first heat sink is configured for mechanical contact withthe handheld device. The energy management system further includes asecond heat sink coupled to an exterior surface of the distal portion ofthe outer housing. The second heat sink is configured to mechanicallycontact the first heat sink without disrupting the sterile barrier whenthe adapter assembly is in the closed configuration. Mechanical contactbetween the first heat sink and the second heat sink creates a thermallyconductive path between the handheld device and the second heat sink.

While several forms have been illustrated and described, it is not theintention of the applicant to restrict or limit the scope of theappended claims to such detail. Numerous modifications, variations,changes, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents to those forms maybe implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, thestructure of each element associated with the described forms can bealternatively described as a means for providing the function performedby the element. Also, where materials are disclosed for certaincomponents, other materials may be used. It is therefore to beunderstood that the foregoing description and the appended claims areintended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variationsas falling within the scope of the disclosed forms.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various forms of thedevices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples can beimplemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the formsdisclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implementedin integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on oneor more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or morecomputer systems), as one or more programs running on one or moreprocessors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or moremicroprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof,and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for thesoftware and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skillin the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matterdescribed herein are capable of being distributed as one or more programproducts in a variety of forms, and an illustrative form of the subjectmatter described herein applies regardless of the particular type ofsignal-bearing medium used to actually carry out the distribution.

Instructions used to program logic to perform various disclosed aspectscan be stored within a memory in the system, such as dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other storage.Furthermore, the instructions can be distributed via a network or by wayof other computer-readable media. Thus, a machine-readable medium mayinclude any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a formreadable by a machine (e.g., a computer) but is not limited to floppydiskettes, optical disks, compact discs, read-only memory (CD-ROMs),magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROMs), random access memory(RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic or opticalcards, flash memory, or a tangible, machine-readable storage used in thetransmission of information over the Internet via electrical, optical,acoustical, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves,infrared signals, digital signals). Accordingly, the non-transitorycomputer-readable medium includes any type of tangible machine-readablemedium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions orinformation in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).

As used in any aspect herein, the term “control circuit” may refer to,for example, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., acomputer processor comprising one or more individual instructionprocessing cores, processing unit, processor, microcontroller,microcontroller unit, controller, digital signal processor (DSP),programmable logic device (PLD), programmable logic array (PLA), orfield programmable gate array (FPGA)), state machine circuitry, firmwarethat stores instructions executed by programmable circuitry, and anycombination thereof. The control circuit may, collectively orindividually, be embodied as circuitry that forms part of a largersystem, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a system on-chip (SoC), desktop computers,laptop computers, tablet computers, servers, or smart phones.Accordingly, as used herein, “control circuit” includes, but is notlimited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electricalcircuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit,electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integratedcircuit, electrical circuitry forming a general-purpose computing deviceconfigured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computerconfigured by a computer program that at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein or a microprocessor configuredby a computer program that at least partially carries out processesand/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memorydevice (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electricalcircuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communicationsswitch, or optical-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the artwill recognize that the subject matter described herein may beimplemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

As used in any aspect herein, the term “logic” may refer to an app,software, firmware, and/or circuitry configured to perform any of theaforementioned operations. Software may be embodied as a softwarepackage, code, instructions, instruction sets, and/or data recorded onnon-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Firmware may beembodied as code, instructions, or instruction sets and/or data that arehard-coded (e.g., non-volatile) in memory devices.

As used in any aspect herein, the terms “component,” “system,” “module,”and the like can refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, acombination of hardware and software, software, or software inexecution.

As used in any aspect herein, an “algorithm” refers to a self-consistentsequence of steps leading to a desired result, where a “step” refers toa manipulation of physical quantities and/or logic states that may,though need not necessarily, take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, andotherwise manipulated. It is common usage to refer to these signals asbits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or thelike. These and similar terms may be associated with the appropriatephysical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to thesequantities and/or states.

A network may include a packet-switched network. The communicationdevices may be capable of communicating with each other using a selectedpacket-switched network communications protocol. One examplecommunications protocol may include an Ethernet communications protocol,which may be capable permitting communication using a TransmissionControl Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). The Ethernet protocol maycomply or be compatible with the Ethernet standard published by theInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) titled “IEEE802.3 Standard,” published in December 2008 and/or later versions ofthis standard. Alternatively or additionally, the communication devicesmay be capable of communicating with each other using an X.25communications protocol. The X.25 communications protocol may comply orbe compatible with a standard promulgated by the InternationalTelecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector(ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may becapable of communicating with each other using a frame-relaycommunications protocol. The frame-relay communications protocol maycomply or be compatible with a standard promulgated by ConsultativeCommittee for International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) and/or theAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively oradditionally, the transceivers may be capable of communicating with eachother using an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communications protocol.The ATM communications protocol may comply or be compatible with an ATMstandard published by the ATM Forum titled “ATM-MPLS NetworkInterworking 2.0” published August 2001 and/or later versions of thisstandard. Of course, different and/or after-developedconnection-oriented network communication protocols are equallycontemplated herein.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the foregoingdisclosure, it is appreciated that, throughout the foregoing disclosure,discussions using terms such as “processing,” “computing,”“calculating,” “determining,” “displaying,” or the like, refer to theaction and processes of a computer system, or similar electroniccomputing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented asphysical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registersand memories into other data similarly represented as physicalquantities within the computer system memories or registers or othersuch information storage, transmission, or display devices.

One or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,”“configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “ableto,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that “configured to” can generally encompass active-statecomponents and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-statecomponents, unless context requires otherwise.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument.The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician, andthe term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician.It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity,spatial terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” and “down” may beused herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instrumentsare used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are notintended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in general, terms usedherein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims), are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to”;the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”; the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to”).It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intentwill be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of suchrecitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to claims containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitationis explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that suchrecitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recitednumber (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general,such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include, but not be limited to, systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together). It will be further understood bythose within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrasepresenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description,claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate thepossibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “Aor B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A,”“B,” or “A and B.”

With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art willappreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed inany order. Also, although various operational flow diagrams arepresented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the variousoperations may be performed in other orders than those which areillustrated or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternateorderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered,incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or othervariant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, termslike “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives aregenerally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictatesotherwise.

It is worthy to note that any reference to “one aspect,” “an aspect,”“an exemplification,” “one exemplification,” and the like means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances ofthe phrases “in one aspect,” “in an aspect,” “in an exemplification,”and “in one exemplification” in various places throughout thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect.Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or otherdisclosure material referred to in this specification and/or listed inany Application Data Sheet is incorporated by reference herein, to theextent that the incorporated materials is not inconsistent herewith. Assuch, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly setforth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein byreference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein,will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises betweenthat incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

In summary, numerous benefits have been described that result fromemploying the concepts described herein. The foregoing description ofthe one or more forms has been presented for purposes of illustrationand description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to theprecise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible inlight of the above teachings. The one or more forms were chosen anddescribed in order to illustrate principles and practical application tothereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the variousforms and with various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It is intended that the claims submitted herewith definethe overall scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a handheld device comprising an inner housing and a power source coupled to a first drive assembly comprising a first operating mode, wherein the power source and first drive assembly are dispositioned within the inner housing; an adapter assembly comprising an outer housing that defines an internal cavity, wherein the outer housing is configured to encase the handheld device, and wherein the outer housing further comprises: an energy management system configured to manage energy dissipated by the handheld device; and a drive interface assembly comprising an internal interface and an external interface, wherein the internal interface is configured to mechanically couple to the first drive assembly of the handheld device; and an interchangeable end effector comprising a second drive assembly, wherein the second drive assembly comprises a second operating mode that is different than the first operating mode of the first drive assembly, and wherein the second drive assembly is configured to mechanically couple to the external interface of the drive interface; wherein the internal interface of the drive interface assembly is configured to transfer a motion generated by the first drive assembly to the external interface of the drive interface assembly, and wherein the external interface of the drive interface assembly is configured to transfer a motion of the inner interface of the drive interface assembly to the second drive assembly of the interchangeable end effector.
 2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the outer housing further comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion coupled to the proximal portion via a hinge, wherein the distal portion is configured to move relative to the proximal portion between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein a sterile barrier is established around the handheld device in the closed configuration, and wherein the energy management system further comprises: a first heat sink coupled to the proximal portion of the outer housing, wherein the first heat sink is configured for mechanical contact with the handheld device when the handheld device is encased within the internal cavity of the adapter assembly; and a second heat sink coupled to an exterior surface of the distal portion of the outer housing, wherein the second heat sink is configured to interface the first heat sink without disrupting the sterile barrier when the adapter assembly is in the closed configuration, and wherein mechanical contact between the first heat sink and the second heat sink creates a thermally conductive path between the handheld device and the second heat sink.
 3. The surgical instrument of claim 2, further comprising a thermal paste positioned between the first heat sink and the second heat sink, wherein the thermal paste is configured to increase a surface area of the interface between the first heat sink and the second heat sink and, therefore, enhance a conductive efficiency of the interface.
 4. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the energy management system further comprises: a piezoelectric fan coupled to the power source; a temperature sensor configured to generate signals associated with an operating temperature of the handheld device; and a control circuit coupled to the power source and the energy management system, wherein the control circuit is configured to: receive a first signal from the temperature sensor; determine an first operating temperature of the handheld device based, at least in part, on the first signal; determine if the first operating temperature meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold; and cause the piezoelectric fan to oscillate upon determining that the first operating temperature meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold.
 5. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: receive a second signal from the temperature sensor; determine a second operating temperature of the handheld device based, at least in part, on the second signal; compare the first operating temperature to the second operating temperature; and vary the oscillation of the piezoelectric fan based, at least in part, on the comparison of the first operating temperature and the second operating temperature.
 6. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the energy management system comprises: a piezoelectric dampener configured to generate dampening vibrations; a sensor configured to generate signals associated with a vibration of the surgical instrument; and a control circuit coupled to the power source and the energy management system, wherein the control circuit is configured to: receive a first signal from the sensor; determine an operating vibration level of the surgical instrument based, at least in part, on the signal received from the sensor; determine if the operating vibration level of the surgical instrument exceeds a predetermined threshold; and cause the piezoelectric dampener to produce a dampening vibration based, at least in part, on the determination that the operating vibration level meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold.
 7. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the first drive assembly comprises a drive member and a rotary component configured to engage the drive member, and the energy management system comprises a dampening component, wherein the rotary component and the dampening component are coupled to a drive shaft of the motor, wherein the drive shaft defines a first side and a second side of the motor, wherein the dampening component and the rotary component are both positioned on the first side of the motor and configured to rotate in opposite directions, wherein the rotation of the rotary component applies a first force on the motor and the rotation of the dampening component applies a second force on the motor in a direction opposite to that of the first force, thereby reducing a net energy dissipated by the handheld device.
 8. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the first drive assembly comprises a drive member and a rotary component configured to engage the drive member, and the energy management system comprises a dampening component, wherein the rotary component and the dampening component are coupled to a drive shaft of the motor, wherein the drive shaft defines a first side and a second side of the motor, wherein the dampening component is positioned on the first side of the motor and the rotary component is positioned on the second side of the motor, wherein the rotary component and the dampening component are configured to rotate in the same direction such that the rotation of the rotary component applies a first force on the motor and the rotation of the dampening component applies a second force on the motor in a direction opposite to that of the first force, thereby reducing a net energy dissipated by the handheld device.
 9. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the energy management system comprises a material dispositioned on, at least a portion of, a wall of the internal cavity, wherein the material is configured to dampen acoustic vibrations generated by the first drive assembly.
 10. The surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein the material comprises at least one of a butyl rubber, an asphalt, and an acoustic energy dampening spray, or any combination thereof.
 11. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the energy management system comprises a geometric feature dispositioned on, at least a portion of, a wall of the internal cavity, wherein the geometric feature is configured to dampen acoustic energy generated by the first drive assembly.
 12. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the geometric feature comprises a plurality of anechoic chambers, wherein each anechoic chamber comprises a plurality of air pockets, and wherein the geometric feature is dispositioned such that air can flow between the wall of the internal cavity and, at least a portion of, each anechoic chamber of the plurality of anechoic chambers.
 13. An adapter assembly configured to, at least partially, encase a handheld device of a surgical instrument configured for use with a plurality of interchangeable end effectors, wherein the handheld device comprises a power source and a drive assembly, the adapter assembly comprising: an outer housing comprising an internal cavity configured to encase the handheld device; a drive interface assembly comprising an internal interface configured to mechanically engage the drive assembly of the handheld device, and an external interface configured to mechanically engage a drive assembly of an interchangeable end effector; and an energy management system configured to manage energy dissipated by the handheld device when the surgical instrument is in use.
 14. The adapter assembly of claim 13, wherein the outer housing further comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion rotatably coupled to the proximal portion via a hinge, wherein the distal portion is configured to move relative to the proximal portion between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein a sterile barrier is established around the handheld device in the closed configuration, and wherein the energy management system comprises: a first heat sink coupled to the proximal portion of the outer housing, wherein the first heat sink is configured for mechanical contact with the handheld device when the handheld device is encased within the internal cavity of the adapter assembly; and a second heat sink coupled to an exterior surface of the distal portion of the outer housing, wherein the second heat sink is configured to mechanically contact the first heat sink without disrupting the sterile barrier when the adapter assembly is in the closed configuration, and wherein mechanical contact between the first heat sink and the second heat sink creates a thermally conductive path between the handheld device and the second heat sink.
 15. The adapter assembly of claim 13, wherein the energy management system further comprises: a piezoelectric fan coupled to the power source; a temperature sensor configured to generate signals associated with an operating temperature of the handheld device; and a control circuit coupled to the power source and the energy management system, wherein the control circuit is configured to: receive a first signal from the temperature sensor; determine an first operating temperature of the handheld device based, at least in part, on the first signal; determine if the first operating temperature meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold; and cause the piezoelectric fan to oscillate upon determining that the first operating temperature meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold.
 16. The adapter assembly of claim 13, wherein the energy management system comprises: a sensor configured to detect vibrations and generate a signal associated with a vibration of the surgical instrument; a piezoelectric dampener configured to generate dampening vibrations; and a control circuit coupled to the power source and the energy management system, wherein the control circuit is configured to: receive a first signal from the sensor; determine an operating vibration level of the surgical instrument based, at least in part, on the signal received from the sensor; determine if the operating vibration level of the surgical instrument exceeds a predetermined threshold; and cause the piezoelectric dampener to produce a dampening vibration based, at least in part, on the determination that the operating vibration level of the surgical instrument exceeds the predetermined threshold.
 17. The adapter assembly of claim 13, wherein the first drive assembly comprises a drive member and a rotary component configured to engage the drive member, and the energy management system comprises a dampening component, wherein the rotary component and the dampening component are coupled to a drive shaft of the motor, wherein the drive shaft defines a first side and a second side of the motor, wherein the dampening component and the rotary component are both positioned on the first side of the motor and configured to rotate in opposite directions, wherein the rotation of the rotary component applies a first force on the motor and the rotation of the dampening component applies a second force on the motor in a direction opposite to that of the first force, thereby reducing a net energy dissipated by the handheld device.
 18. A surgical instrument, comprising: a handheld device comprising a first drive assembly and a power source; an adapter assembly comprising an internal cavity configured to accommodate a handheld device, wherein the adapter assembly is configured to establish a sterile barrier around the handheld device; and an energy management system configured to extract energy dissipated by the handheld device from the internal cavity without disrupting the sterile barrier.
 19. The surgical instrument of claim 18, further comprising: a plurality of interchangeable end effectors, wherein a first interchangeable end effector of the plurality of interchangeable end effectors comprises a first drive interface configured for a first operating mode, and wherein a second interchangeable end effector of the plurality of interchangeable end effectors comprises a second drive interface configured for a second operating mode, wherein the first operating mode is different than the second operating mode; and a drive interface assembly comprising an internal interface configured to engage the first drive assembly and an external interface configured to engage the first drive interface and the second drive interface.
 20. The surgical instrument of claim 18, wherein the adapter assembly further comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion rotatably coupled to the proximal portion via a hinge, wherein the distal portion is configured to move relative to the proximal portion between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and wherein the energy management system comprises: a first heat sink coupled to the proximal portion, wherein the first heat sink is configured for mechanical contact with the handheld device; and a second heat sink coupled to an exterior surface of the distal portion of the outer housing, wherein the second heat sink is configured to mechanically contact the first heat sink without disrupting the sterile barrier when the adapter assembly is in the closed configuration, and wherein mechanical contact between the first heat sink and the second heat sink creates a thermally conductive path between the handheld device and the second heat sink. 